West Central Reporter

Quincy Regional-Baldwin Field Airport has received more than $1 million in federal funds for a snow removal machine.

Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Illinois) said some of the $1.11 million comes from the CARES Act to help the airport with new equipment and revamping 3,500 feet of runway to keep the area safe from debris. 

“Peoria and Quincy’s airports play a critical role in connecting the 18th District with the rest of the country and this funding will ensure sound infrastructure for years to come,” LaHood told WGEM. "I applaud Secretary Elaine Chao and the (President Donald) Trump Administration for making this investment in our transportation systems that will strengthen our infrastructure, especially in our rural communities."

The General Downing Peoria International Airport has also been approved to receive $1.1 million in grant funding. Peoria’s funds will go to improve 5,650 feet of runway to help hold heavier aircrafts and expand the terminal to comply with Federal Aviation Administration guidelines. 

“The enhanced support is especially appreciated during a time when the economic impact it brings is most needed. We are grateful to our federal allies for their ongoing support which provides, our community and our rural neighbors, critical access to the national air transportation system," Quincy Regional Airport Director Sandy Shore told WGEM. “Thanks our federal partners’ continuous investments, Quincy Regional Airport is proud to maintain infrastructure of the highest safety standards.”

Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, PIA’s passenger totals were steadily growing, and the airlines were deploying larger airplanes to our community.  

"We anticipate this trend will continue once the crisis is resolved, and we want PIA to be ready to accommodate the additional and larger airplanes the airlines will be using," Gene Olson with the Metropolitan Authority of Peoria said. "This project involves a significant effort to study and manage the drainage coming from airport pavements, as well as several other federally mandated design issues.  We’re very pleased to receive this grant which will preserve and enhance the safety and efficiency of PIA well into the future."