Congressmen Darin LaHood (IL-18) and Rodney Davis (IL-13) announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded the Bloomington-Normal Airport Authority and the Central Illinois Regional Airport $1,637,172 in federal grant funding. Portions of the funding were authorized in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide economic relief in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the CARES, these funds are 100 percent federally dollars to ensure that airport projects like these continue regardless of current financial circumstances due to COVID-19.
“I am pleased to announce these federal grant awards from the U.S. Department of Transportation,” said Rep. LaHood. “Bloomington-Normal’s airport plays a critical role in connecting the 18th District with the rest of the country and this funding will provide the necessary resources for the airport to ensure safe and efficient operations for passengers. I applaud Secretary Elaine Chao and the Trump Administration for making this investment in our aviation systems that will strengthen our airport infrastructure in central Illinois.”
“As we all know airports have been hard hit by the Coronavirus pandemic as travel for both business and leisure slows down,” said Rep. Davis. “This additional CARES Act grant will completely remove the local share for this project making it 100% federally funded.”
“During this critical time in aviation, we are very appreciative of the support and advocacy of Representatives Darin LaHood and Rodney Davis,” said Jay Allen, Chairman of the Bloomington Normal Airport Authority. “With this federal funding, the Airport Authority can move forward with projects that provide essential snow removal equipment and important infrastructure improvements for the Central Illinois Regional Airport.”
Central Illinois Regional Airport – $1,637,172
- The funding awarded to the Central Illinois Regional Airport will help design a new general aviation apron to meet the needs of the existing users of the airport
- It will also allow the airport to acquire two replacement high speed runway brooms to keep the airport serviceable during snow periods
