PEORIA, Ill. — Peoria International Airport will receive $1.1 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Coronavirus Air, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to expand an apron and strengthen a runway.
Congressman Darin LaHood says the project at PIA will strengthen 5,650 feet of runway to accommodate a heavier class of aircraft.
“Peoria’s airport plays 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,” the congressman said in a statement.
Director of Airports Gene Olson echoed the sentiment.
“Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, PIA’s passenger totals were steadily growing, and the airlines were deploying larger airplanes to our community,” he said.
“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.
“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.”
