The Bloomington-Normal Airport Authority has been awarded a $1.25 million grant from Governor Pritzker’s new Megasites Development Program funded through Rebuild Illinois Capital Funds. One of only nine grants awarded across the state, these funds will be combined with Airport Authority dollars to aid in the development of a new industrial, manufacturing and distribution site offering multimodal capabilities.
“We are very excited for this opportunity to partner with DCEO to supercharge the competitive position of our site for the benefit of Illinois and our community,” said Bloomington-Normal Airport Authority Chair Alan Sender. “The funds from this grant will assist in developing the region’s only multimodal industrial site capable of supporting air cargo, rail freight, and interstate truck activity.”
In collaboration with the City of Bloomington and the Bloomington Normal Economic Development Council, the Airport Authority identified 250 acres of airport property south of the airport across from Ireland Grove Road, adjacent to the Norfolk Southern rail line. The installation of infrastructure, including municipal water and sanitary sewer, is necessary to create shovel-ready investment property.
“The Airport Authority would like to thank the Governor’s office, DCEO and Senator Koehler for providing us with the opportunity to better attract new business investment which would increase jobs and create positive economic activity for the community,” added Sender.
Investment ready sites are attractive for investors who want to move their projects forward in a short amount of time. The Bloomington-Normal Airport Authority site, which cannot directly support aviation activities, was acquired in accordance with FAA policy because of its proximity to the airfield to ensure the land was only used in a manner considered compatible for safe aviation activities.
