Macon Reporter

Airports looking to make upgrades may be eligible to apply for a portion of $94 million in grants through the Rebuild Illions program, Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) said May 12. 

Eligible airports must be for public use and included in the Illinois Aviation System Plan, one of the largest in the nation, a release from the senator's office said. Airports must go through a competitive grant program that includes project proposals, improvements and extensions of facilities. 

"The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that the Rebuild Illinois program will provide $94 million in funding to improve public airports throughout the state," Turner posted to Facebook. "Through a competitive grant process, airports may submit project proposals for updates, improvements, and extensions of their facilities."

Airports in the Central Illinois area that are eligible to apply for the funding include Decatur Airport, Litchfield Municipal Airport, Taylorville Municipal Airport and the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport.

“The new funding will allow airports in Central Illinois and across the state to pay for much-needed repairs that will keep passengers safe and our economy strong," the Springfield lawmaker said. "It is my hope that local airports take advantage of this opportunity and apply for funding."

Applications are due June 14, and grants are awarded up to $25 million per airport. More information on how to apply can be found on the IDOT's Airport Improvement Page. 

Rebuild Illinois is a statewide infrastructure construction program.