 In the '80s, the “Big Rapids Airport Safety Committee” was established, with Linda Hathaway as Chairperson.This committee presented a 5-year improvement and expansion plan to the City Commission that included construction of a new 5 thousand foot East-West runway in 1988 costing 2.5 million dollars, with the Federal Government picking up 90 to 95% of the total cost.On March 5, 1984, the City submitted a “Roben Hood Airport 1983-2003 Layout Plan Report, and 5 year Capital Improvement Plan to MDOT, Bureau of Aeronautics.