September 28, 2018

Duckworth, Durbin Announce $3.75 Million to Improve Southern Illinois Airport Infrastructure

 

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced today $3,750,000 in federal funding for the Southern Illinois Airport Authority to upgrade airport infrastructure while boosting economic development and connectivity in the region. The funding, which comes from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), is expected to create 45 new jobs and leverage $400,000 in private investment.

"Airport infrastructure investments like these are important to the strength of our state's transportation systems and our local economies," said Duckworth. "This funding will help grow small business throughout Southern Illinois by increasing collaboration and connectivity and I’m proud to be working with Senator Durbin to make sure communities across Illinois have access to safe, reliable transportation.”

“By investing in the future of our airports, we invest in Illinois' future, and this funding helps us do just that," said Durbin. "This grant is crucial to traveler safety and will ensure flyers have a positive experience traveling to and from Southern Illinois." 

The Southern Illinois Airport Authority will use these funds to build two new pre-engineered hangar buildings. The construction of these new buildings will allow several private aviation companies and workforce training at Southern Illinois University’s Transportation Education Center to expand.

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