Durbin, Bustos Announce Nearly $6.7 Million in Federal Funding for Rockford Airport
[WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (IL-17) announced $6,698,797 in federal funding that will go toward infrastructure improvements and upgrades at Chicago Rockford International Airport. The grant will be used to build a terminal building expansion that will help travelers move more efficiently through the gate holding area. This funding will go towards the first phase of construction on the project, including design and construction for the foundation, super structure, exterior enclosure, HVAC, stairs, plumbing, fire protection and various electrical components of the terminal expansion. The grant was awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration.
“Airports and reliable air service are crucial to the economic success of Illinois communities large and small. The Chicago Rockford International Airport is a major cargo hub and provides domestic and international passenger service. As a result, RFD is not only an invaluable asset to the Greater Rockford community and northern Illinois, but to the entire State of Illinois,” said Durbin. “If we are going to be a great leader in the world economy, we need an infrastructure to support it. I am confident this is an investment that will pay itself back for decades to come with a busier airport, new businesses and better jobs for Northern Illinois.”
“I'm thrilled to announce this important investment in the future of the Chicago Rockford International Airport,” said Bustos, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “Today's grant will help Rockford and all of Northern Illinois increase the transportation of passengers and goods to the rest of the country and world, while also putting people to work and growing the local economy.”
Last week, Durbin and Bustos announced that the Greater Rockford Airport Authority had been awarded $647,945 in additional funding to construct a 30,000 square yard cargo apron needed to meet the existing demands of the airport’s cargo operators.