07.13.12

Durbin Announces $4.7 Million Federal Grant for Chicago Rockford Airport

[WASHINGTON, DC] - U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced today that the Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) has received $4,792,402 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Airport Improvement Program for runway and taxiway rehabilitation. Upgrades to the runway will allow the airport to accommodate current and additional air cargo activity. The Chicago Rockford International Airport is currently ranked one of the most active air cargo airports in the United States.

 

“Today’s grant will help expand the capacity and efficiency of the Chicago Rockford International Airport and ensure that one of Northern Illinois’ premiere airports can continue to serve passengers safely and securely. As one of the busiest air cargo airports not just in Illinois, but in the entire country, RFD plays a critical role supporting jobs and spurring economic activity in Rockford and throughout the region,” Durbin said.

 

Last year, the Chicago Rockford International Airport received a federal grant of nearly $7 million for the first phase of its runway reconstruction project, which is the first major rehabilitation of the runway since 1983. Additional overlays were completed in 1993 and 2002 to extend the runway’s service life.