U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao Announces $25.5 Million in Infrastructure Grants to Illinois Airports

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao announced today that the Trump Administration will award more than $1.2 billion in airport safety and infrastructure grants through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to 405 airports in 50 states and six U.S. territories.

“This $1.2 billion federal investment will improve our nation’s airport infrastructure, enhance safety, and strengthen growth in local communities, which is especially important as the economy recovers from COVID-19,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao. 

The Department is awarding federal grants to the following airports in the State of Illinois:

  • $6,481,606 to Scott AFB/MidAmerica Airport to expand the terminal building.
  • $1,637,172 to Central Illinois Regional.
  • $1,325,829 to Veteran’s Airport of Southern Illinois to buy snow removal equipment, install perimeter fencing, install runway lighting, rehabilitate lighting and rehabilitate an apron.
  • $2,897,860 to Quad City International Airport to buy an aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle and improve the terminal building.
  • $1,100,000 to General Downing-Peoria International Airport to expand an apron and strengthen a runway.
  • $1,111,111 to Quincy Regional-Baldwin Field to buy snow removal equipment and rebuild a runway.
  • $400,000 to Chicago/Rockford International Airport to conduct a noise compatibility plan study.
  • $1,470,000 to University of Illinois-Willard Airport to install navigational aids and rehabilitate a runway.
  • $9,083,331 to the State of Illinois for airport programs throughout the state.

“The 434 AIP grants will fund critical airport infrastructure projects around the country,” said FAA Administrator Stephen M. Dickson.

Since January 2017, the Trump Administration delivered $13.5 billion to America’s airports to improve infrastructure and safety. In 2020, the Administration delivered $10 billion in economic assistance to America’s airports during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

A complete listing of grants (PDF) and an interactive map of airports receiving funding is available on the FAA website.