The Central Illinois Regional Airport at Bloomington-Normal has been awarded a $3 million Regional Site Readiness Program grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to help fund a $6 million Airport Road extension project.
The grant was among 22 awarded statewide through the competitive program. The state funding will be combined with federal grants and existing airport capital funds to design and construct an extension of Airport Road across Illinois Route 9/East Empire Street and onto airport property, connecting with the airport’s air cargo facilities.
The project will open approximately 51 acres of airport property for expanded cargo operations and industrial development, potentially creating new opportunities for business growth and jobs in the Bloomington-Normal area.
State Sen. Dave Koehler called CIRA a critical economic engine for the region and said the investment will help strengthen cargo operations and support long-term economic growth.
Airport Authority Board Chairman Alan Sender said the grant represents an important step toward business expansion and economic development at CIRA, adding that the airport appreciates the state’s recognition of its role as an economic driver for Central Illinois.
CIRA currently offers service from Allegiant, American and Delta, with nonstop flights to several destinations and connections through major hubs including Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare and Dallas-Fort Worth.
