The Central Illinois Regional Airport has been awarded a $12.09 million Federal Aviation Administration grant to fund the second phase of its Runway 11/29 Rehabilitation Project.
The $12,090,546 grant will cover 95% of the project’s cost, with the State of Illinois and the Central Illinois Regional Airport each contributing 2.5% of the remaining cost.
The second phase will include reconstruction and rehabilitation of runway pavement, as well as installation of new lighting, signs and cabling. Runway guard lights also will be installed at key intersections to improve safety and help prevent runway incursions.
Construction is expected to begin in May 2027, with completion projected for November 2027. The work follows the first phase of the runway project, which was completed in 2026.
CIRA Executive Director Carl Olson said the second phase is expected to continue about a year after the first phase of construction.
Airport Authority Chair Alan Sender said the federal funding will allow the airport to undertake major improvements while supporting local jobs and helping attract additional airline service.
CIRA currently offers service through Allegiant, American and Delta, with nonstop flights to several destinations and connections through Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare and Dallas-Fort Worth.
