11.14.17

Durbin Meets With Chicago Rockford International Airport Director, Discusses Continued Federal Investment

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with Mike Dunn, director of the Chicago Rockford International Airport Authority to discuss continued expansion of cargo operations at Chicago Rockford International Airport, which is creating thousands of local jobs. 

“Northern Illinois’ economic growth depends on our airports, and Chicago Rockford International Airport is no exception.  Thanks to continued federal investment, the ongoing cargo expansion and upgrades at RFD are creating jobs and ensuring we can keep up with increased air travel demands,” said Durbin.  “The federal government has committed to creating economic opportunity in Northern Illinois, and the investment is clearly paying off in the form on thousands of good-paying jobs and more to come.”

Photos of today’s meeting are available here.

Since 2015, Durbin has secured more than $24 million in federal funding for improvements at Rockford Airport, including $5 million announced in July for the construction of a 30,000 square yard cargo apron to provide additional aircraft parking.  Cargo volume is up nearly 40 percent since last year and expanding the cargo apron will provide much needed aircraft parking space.