09.18.15

Durbin, Bustos: Not Following Through with Committed Funding for Rockford Airport Would Put Jobs in Jeopardy

[WASHINGTON, D.C] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL) today encouraged Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner to follow through on the state of Illinois’ commitment to provide $16.3 million for the Chicago Rockford International Airport’s midfield improvement project which is currently being considered for up to $2.5 million in federal Economic Development Assistance funding.

         

“In 2014, the state promised to contribute $16.3 million.  This money should not be held hostage by the current budget debate—it is our understanding that the money had already been appropriated in the previous fiscal year and should have been released during fiscal year 2015,” the members wrote.  “A reversal in funding could mean that the project—already underway—will be in jeopardy, along with the hundreds of jobs it is expected to provide.”

 

Text of the letter below.

September 17, 2015

 

Bruce Rauner

Governor

207 State House

Springfield, IL 62706

Dear Governor Rauner,

We are concerned by recent reports that the state of Illinois may no longer provide promised funding for the Chicago Rockford International Airport’s midfield improvement project that includes a new maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility.  A reversal in funding could mean that the project—already underway—will be in jeopardy, along with the hundreds of jobs it is expected to provide.

As part of the vision of the MRO facility, the Airport has worked diligently with the state, county, city of Rockford, and the Federal government to identify sources of funding and build a wide coalition of support.  The project is being considered for up to $2.5 million in Federal Economic Development Assistance funding.  In 2014, the state promised to contribute $16.3 million.  This money should not be held hostage by the current budget debate—it is our understanding that the money had already been appropriated in the previous fiscal year and should have been released during fiscal year 2015.  We believe that any work and expenses incurred during fiscal year 2015, for which reimbursement has been sought to date, should be covered by the fiscal year 2015 appropriation and the funds should be submitted to the Airport.  We also believe that the remaining funding should continue to be dedicated to the project.

As you know, this project will provide significant boost to the regional economy and is expected to provide 500 jobs within two years and more in the long-term.  This project will also expand vocational education opportunities and provide new career options for students at the Rock Valley College Mechanic School.

We hope that you will follow through on the state’s commitment to this important project.

 

Sincerely,

 

Richard J. Durbin                                                           Cheri Bustos

United States Senator                                                    United States Representative