Bloomington-Normal - U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson, R-Urbana, today announced that Central Illinois Regional Airport has been awarded a nearly $4.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for taxi-way improvements.

The grant represents the third phase of a three-phase project initiated by the Airport Authority aimed at a complete reconstruction of the main runway to better accommodate continued growth.

“I’m happy to make this announcement because the Central Illinois Regional Airport plays such a key role in the transportation network of the region,” said Rep. Johnson. “Airport Director Carl Olson, the board and staff have done an excellent job making this a first-class facility and further justifying the use of these transportation dollars.”

The grant of $4,872,200 will be used for the design and construction of a new taxiway that will connect to the runway, for the installation of enhanced pilot landing aids, and to supply stand-by electrical power when needed. The work is expected to begin by late June and be completed before next winter.

“On behalf of the Bloomington-Normal Airport Authority and the community, I would like to thank Congressman Johnson for his long-term commitment and personal efforts to secure this funding for our airport,” said Airport Authority Chairman Paul Harmon. “This project is critical to our airport’s continued growth and through the support of Congressman Johnson we will now be able to see it completed.”

The Central Illinois Regional Airport experienced unprecedented growth in the late 1990s and was the second-fastest growing non-hub airport in the United States in 1996-2000. The growth in passenger traffic led to the construction of a new state-of-the-art terminal building, opened in 2001.

The airport enjoyed its second-best year in history by carrying a total of 459,888 passengers in 2005. The airport is currently served by AirTran Airways, American Eagle, Delta Connection, Nortwest Airlink and United Express.

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