Study projects future of Detroit's Coleman A. Young Airport

The newly resurfaced main runway at the Coleman A. Young International Airport in Detroit. A city-commissioned report calls for lengthening the main runway, which does not meet current FAA design standards.

The main passenger terminal at the Coleman A. Young International Airport in Detroit. The report by New York-based consultant Avion Solutions Group proposes building a modernized terminal building and hangers.

The shorter second runway at the Coleman A. Young International Airport in Detroit. The report proposes closing this runway and using the land for industrial development.

The airport footprint would grow from 264 acres to 374 acres in the proposal. Any modifications to the runway layouts would have to be supported by MDOT and the FAA.

Dave Tarrant, executive director of the Coleman A. Young International Airport Education Association, walks along the 1929 hangar, designed by Albert Kahn. Building a larger airport "sounds great," he said, but "killing the crosswind runway is not how you do that."

The main hanger is too small to house many of the largest corporate jets.

The main passenger terminal at the Coleman A. Young International Airport in Detroit. While the report refers to the $123 million proposal as "the city's vision," the Duggan administration hasn't taken a position on the concepts, according to Detroit's chief legal counsel for capital and infrastructure.

The city’s next step is seeking out a firm to complete the proposal that could go to the FAA for review in the coming months. All projects are potentially eligible for FAA funding.

Ron Black, chief pilot and safety officer for the Eximious flying club, addresses the many upgrades needed at the airport.

The rear of the main hanger shows some areas where repairs are needed.

Marcus Woodson, assistant operations manager at Detroit City Airport, talks about proposed upgrades as he stands in the Coleman A. Young International Airport passenger terminal.

Marcus Woodson, assistant operations manager at Detroit City Airport, watches Cliff Miller work on a single engine aircraft outside the main hanger.

The report also raises the prospect of tunneling under McNichols Road to extend the center line of the airport’s main 5,090-foot-long runway.

If FAA grants are obtained, they would provide up to 90 percent federal funds to support projects that are eligible.