ROCKFORD - State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) announced today that the Illinois Department of Transportation is following through with a state commitment to leverage a total investment of $10 million for Chicago Rockford International Airport improvements.

“Rockford’s position as a transportation hub is one of my top priorities. This project will allow the airport to continue its path as  one of the fastest growing cargo airports in the world,” Stadelman said. Senator Stadelman also worked to include passenger rail service between Rockford and Chicago in the state's new construction plan.

The $10 million total includes $9 million from the federal government, $500,000 from the state,  and a $500,000 local match. The money will be spent on apron construction, which is the creation of a smooth transition between different pavements, increasing safety.

The project was made possible by $27.9 million in supplemental discretionary funding through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program, with the state providing the matching funds to maximize the funding opportunity and accelerate construction.

“This money will increase capacity at the airport, as it continues to grow its air cargo business,” Stadelman said. “Investing $10 million dollars in the Rockford community will help create jobs and boost our local and state economies.”

The Illinois aviation system consists of more than 825 landing facilities, including commercial, reliever and general aviation airports, private landing areas and hospital heliports. The IDOT Division of Aeronautics helps to oversee all matters involving the development of any public air navigation facility, administering federal funding and annually managing between 100 and 120 grants totaling approximately $250 million.