BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WAND) - The Central Illinois Regional Airport was awarded a Regional Site Readiness Program grant in the amount of $3 million by the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity to help fund a $6 million airport road extension project.
The grant was announced Friday by Governor Pritzker’s office as one of only 22 that were awarded throughout the State of Illinois.
The grant funds will be combined with federal grant and existing airport capital funds to design and construct the extension of Airport Road across Illinois Route 9/East Empire Street onto airport property and connecting to the airport’s air cargo facilities. This will open a 51-acre site of airport property for expanded
cargo and industrial development.
“The Central Illinois Regional Airport is a critical economic engine in our region, and this investment from DCEO will help unlock even greater potential. Strengthening cargo operations and opening new land for commercial development positions Bloomington-Normal for long-term growth, new jobs and expanded business opportunities. I’m grateful to see the state partnering in a project that will support families, employers, and the broader regional economy for years to come,” said Senator Dave Koehler.
“This State of Illinois Site Readiness grant is a key building block for business expansion and economic development at CIRA,” said Airport Authority board chair, Alan Sender. “CIRA board members and staff
appreciate the recognition shown by Governor Pritzker and his administration of the vitality of our community’s airport as an important economic driver in Central Illinois.”
Central Illinois Regional Airport at Bloomington-Normal (CIRA) offers service on Allegiant, American and Delta with nonstop flights to Orlando/Sanford, Tampa/St. Pete, Phoenix/Mesa and connections to the world through Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare, and Dallas-Ft. Worth.
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