Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Taylorville) announced on July 26 that Decatur Airport is receiving $2,929,500 in grant money to repair infrastructure and to open up new construction jobs.
The donation, carried out through the Department of Transportation’s Airport Improvement Program, will primarily be used to renovate Runway 6-24, Decatur’s main runway that stretches to 8,500 feet long.
“This is great news for Decatur and the surrounding areas,” said Davis in a statement posted on his official website. “This grant is a perfect example of the kind of transportation investments that help grow our local economy and help our rural communities thrive.”
Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Taylorville)
Sen. Steve McClure (R-Calhoun) praised Davis’ actions towards improving the airport’s overall public safety.
“I think it’s great,” McClure told West Central Reporter. “Congressman Davis worked really hard to get his district everything he can, and it’s just one more thing he’s brought to the district.”
McClure also said the grant is a great opportunity to improve on Illinois’ multiple transportation issues.
“We’re always looking to get as much as we can to improve our transportation, and that includes air transportation,” McClure said. “So much of downstate Illinois revolves around our roads and bridges and airports. Every chance we get to make needed improvements to our airports, I think we need to take those opportunities.”
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