Millions of dollars in federal funding for airport safety and infrastructure improvements are being awarded to Illinois and Iowa airports.
More than $1.2 billion in grants will be awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration to 405 airports across the U.S.
Iowa airports will receive a total of $23.1 million in infrastructure grants and Illinois will be awarded $25.5 million. “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, in a news release.
The Quad City International Airport is one of the airports on the list. The airport will be awarded $2,897,860 to buy an aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle and improve the terminal building. “Their support bolsters our efforts to modernize our airport for the sake of our passengers, so they have a reliable and pleasant experience, but also for our employees, who dedicate so much of themselves to providing valuable air service to our community,” Quad City International Airport Executive Director Benjamin Leischner said in a news release. Leischner says the airport plans to replace three of its jet bridges.
The Trump Administration says it has delivered $10 billion in economic assistance to America’s airports during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Illinois Airports
- $6,481,606 to Scott AFB/MidAmerica Airport to expand the terminal building.
- $1,637,172 to Central Illinois Regional Airport to buy snow removal equipment and build an apron.
- $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.
Iowa Airports
- $19,337,759 for the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids for taxiway reconstruction.
- $2,962,260 for Muscatine Municipal Airport for taxiway reconstruction
- $736,000 for the construction of a new regional airport in Evans, Iowa.
- $103,543 for Keokuk Municipal Airport for land acquisition.