Central Illinois Regional Airport [CIRA] has been awarded a $12.1 million federal grant for its runway rehabilitation project.
The second phase of the project includes pavement reconstruction and rehabilitation, along with installation of new lights, signs and cabling, according to a news release from CIRA.
The airport also plans to install runway guard lights for added safety.
“This funding enables us to attract more airlines and keep our local economy moving forward by creating many jobs for local workers,” Central Illinois Regional Airport Authority Chair Alan Sender said.
The Federal Aviation Administration [FAA] approved $12.5 million for the first phase of CIRA’s project last year.
The federal grants cover 95% of the costs. CIRA and the state of Illinois will each contribute the remaining 2.5%.
CIRA Executive Director Carl Olson said the second phase of the rehabilitation is expected to start in May 2027 and be finished by November 2027.
