Ryan Releases $230,000 To Improve DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport

DEKALB -- Governor George H. Ryan today approved the release of more than $230,000 for improvements at the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport.

"As a growing airport serving an ever-expanding region, DeKalb Airport plays a vital role in our state's economy," Ryan said. "The improvements made possible with these funds emphasize Illinois' commitment to remaining a leader in air transportation."

Governor Ryan approved the release of $232,560 in state airport Series B Bond funds for construction of a new taxiway and parking lot that will service the new T-hanger area of the airport. Specifically, the state funds will help pay for grading, drainage and paving work for the new taxiway and parking lot. The T-hangers were purchased by the city of DeKalb and were formerly in use at Central Illinois Regional Airport in Bloomington, Illinois. Using these reconstructed hangers will save DeKalb hundreds of thousands of dollars.

These funds are part of Governor Ryan's Illinois FIRST infrastructure investment program. The Illinois FIRST funds make Illinois one of the few states in the nation that supplement federally funded airport improvement projects with state/local projects such as this one.

The $232,560 in state funds combines with $178,440 in local dollars making the total cost of the taxiway and parking lot construction $411,000. Work is expected to be completed before the end of the year.