08.03.15

Durbin: Chicago Rockford International Airport's EDA Grant Moves Forward

[ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS] – The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced that the Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) Midfield Aviation Industrial Park Project has been selected through EDA’s competitive application review process for further funding consideration. Subject to the availability of funds, the proposed project will be considered for up to $2.5 million in EDA funding under the Economic Adjustment Assistance Program.

   

The Midfield Aviation Industrial Park Project is the further development on the RFD land that will house AAR, Rock Valley College and other future projects by public and private entities and the general public.

   

“The Chicago Rockford International Airport is one of our state’s most important transportation assets, and has proven itself as an economic engine for the entire region. I applaud RFD for this forward-thinking expansion,” Durbin said. “I am confident this is an investment that will pay itself back for decades to come by expanding economic opportunity in the region, and creating better jobs for Northern Illinois. I will continue working with the Secretary Pritzker, the Economic Development Administration, and the team at RFD to bring this federal funding home to Illinois.”

   

“We are extremely appreciative to Senator Dick Durbin for his continuous outreach and proactive approach on our behalf for the AAR facility,” said RFD Director Mike Dunn. “Moving projects like these forward significantly benefit our airport and our region. This type of funding would allow us to continue to develop opportunities and ensure the long-term job growth in our community and further expand our world-class facilities.”

   

Timing of the final funding decision for RFD is unknown at this time.

   

RFD is served by three airlines: Allegiant, Apple Vacations and Elite. RFD serves ten non-stop destinations including Cancun, Ft. Myers, Las Vegas, New York/Newark, Denver/Ft. Collins, Orlando, Phoenix, Puerto Vallarta, Punta Cana and Tampa Bay. RFD was named the 2013 Primary Airport of the Year by the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Division of Aeronautics. For more information on RFD and flight schedules, visit FlyRFD.com.