AURORA – The Aurora Municipal Airport in the 42^nd District, represented by State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora), will receive much-needed upgrades thanks to nearly $1.6 million in state funding.

“As Aurora continues to grow, our transportation hubs must be up to par to serve our economy,” Holmes said. “The airport provides good-paying jobs to area residents, and lets local businesses and industries move their people and products in a safe and efficient manner.”

The funding is provided through the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program, and designates a total of $94 million for 96 airport projects in urban and rural communities across the state. Projects will include planning, construction, reconstruction, development and improvement of public airports to increase safety and efficiency. Communities also will benefit from increased aviation access, good-paying jobs during construction and long-term opportunities for workforce expansion.

Aurora Municipal Airport will receive $1.3 million to rehabilitate parking lots and the entrance road, and $279,000 to overlay perimeter roadways.

“I’m excited to see how these improvements will help Aurora’s future economy and job market by attracting more business,” Holmes said. “These grants allow smaller airports in our state to make much-needed repairs and modernize their facilities.”

A full list of recipients as well as designated projects can be found on the Illinois Department of Transportation’s website.