Rockford airport to receive nearly $9M from FAA. Here’s how it will use it

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The Chicago-Rockford International Airport will be getting some new upgrades thanks to nearly $9 million in funding.

The money is coming from $37 million in grants coming from the State of Illinois.

The funding will be used to replace a main taxiway at the airport that allows access to the runways and is used by both UPS and Amazon cargo flights.

The grant will cover nearly 90% of the cost of the renovation, with the remainder coming from both the state and the airport authority.

RFD Executive Director Zach Oakley says it is a needed upgrade.

“This piece of pavement that we’re replacing is a unique piece of pavement. It’s about 30 years old. It goes back to the extension of the runway back in the 90s. It was a unique construction that served a very useful life here at the airport, but now it’s coming up on a little over 30 years and it’s time to replace that piece,” he said.

Construction will take place next year, but is not expected to impact flights.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.