Governor Quinn Announces $996,000 for Peoria and Pekin Airport Improvements

PEORIA – Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $996,000 capital investment for a construction projects at the Mt. Hawley Airport in Peoria and the Pekin Municipal Airport as part of his Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program. The project is part of Governor Quinn’s agenda to create jobs and drive Illinois’ economy forward. The contract is soon to be awarded and followed a competitive bidding process and addresses a critical infrastructure need while creating construction jobs.

“Investments in airports like these in Peoria and Pekin make them more efficient and safer while creating construction jobs,” Governor Quinn said. “This Illinois Jobs Now! project will continue to ensure that Illinois has a strong, 21st century infrastructure.”

The Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics will manage both projects, which include federal and state funding.

At Peoria’s Mt. Hawley Airport, phase one of the T-hangar taxiway rehabilitation will be done for $581,960 by R.A. Cullinan & Son, a division of United Contractors Midwest, Inc. of Tremont.

At the Pekin Municipal Airport, the pavement on the airport’s west apron will be rehabilitated for $415,654 by R.A. Cullinan & Son will also do the work here.

“Modern transportation infrastructure is so vital to the economic health of our communities,” State Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) said. “Not only will this investment in the Peoria and Pekin airports provide construction jobs, it will serve as a selling point to attract other businesses to come to central Illinois.”

“Improving our region’s infrastructure is an important part of making it more attractive to businesses and local residents,” State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-Peoria) said. “In addition to improving transportation options in the region, these projects will help create jobs in our communities.”

Governor Quinn’s $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! is supporting more than 439,000 jobs over six years. It is the largest capital construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest capital construction programs in the nation.