Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) joined with U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth to announce $8,327,266 in federal grants for the Chicago Rockford International Airport. Specifically, $5,500,000 million will be used to fund phase II of the terminal expansion and the additional $2,827,266 will be used to expand the cargo apron to provide additional aircraft parking as the airport works to keep up with increased demand.
“By making these job-creating investments to keep the Chicago Rockford International Airport growing, we’re building a better future for hardworking families in the community,” said Bustos. “I’m proud to work with Senators Durbin and Duckworth as we do our part to build an economic environment where businesses can grow and succeed in the Rockford. While today’s announcement marks new progress, we again call on the State of Illinois to do its part by providing the funding it has previously committed to RFD.”
“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. The ongoing terminal expansion and upgrades at RFD will create jobs and ensure we can keep up with air travel demands,” said Durbin. “With continued federal investment, Rockford’s airport will continue to provide reliable air service and create new economic opportunities for local residents. However, I remain concerned that the State of Illinois’ refusal to release state funding that has already been committed for the airport may jeopardize its overall success. Today, the federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating economic opportunity in Northern Illinois. It is time for the State of Illinois to do the same.”
“As a general aviation pilot, I know how important regional airports are to communities across the state of Illinois,” said Duckworth. “This funding will help ensure the Chicago Rockford International Airport has the resources it needs to support local job growth and economic development throughout the region, which is particularly important given that the State of Illinois has yet to release funding dedicated to airport improvements.”
Today’s funding is in addition to the nearly $17 million in federal funding that has been awarded for improvements at Rockford Airport since 2015. The members have repeatedly called on 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 was promised in 2014, but never provided.
