The state of Illinois is giving the Central Illinois Regional Airport $3 million to build an air cargo road. The grant is for half the $6 million estimated cost of the project. A federal grant and airport money will make up the rest.
“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.”
The road will open a 51-acre piece of airport property to development and divert cargo traffic away from passenger traffic. Airport leaders have described that as a safety issue.
“Design work is expected to begin next month, leading to construction bid packages being released this winter ahead of starting construction next season. Substantial completion of the project is estimated to be end of year 2027,” said an airport spokesperson.
Cargo is the top job generator at the airport, according to CIRA, which has 100-160 cargo flights each month. 12 million pounds of air cargo move through CIRA each year.
“The Central Illinois Regional Airport is a critical economic engine in our region, and this investment from [the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity] 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 State Sen. Dave Koehler, a Democrat who represents parts of Bloomington-Normal.
The airport hopes the road will attract new cargo/distribution/warehousing/assembly investment and generate additional jobs and property tax revenue, according to a background document on the project.
The award is one of only 22 grants awarded through DCEO's Site Readiness Program.
The money is the second significant grant from DCEO for Bloomington-Normal entities in the last three months. The state is also funding $5 million for the Bloomington Normal Water Reclamation District's Northwest Sewer Interceptor Project. That’s expected to facilitate development on the west side of the Twin Cities.
