Peoria International Airport is set to receive a $15 million grant to build a new air traffic control tower. The release from the Federal Aviation Administration says the existing tower at the airport is 63 years old, in poor condition and does not meet the standards of the American for Disabilities Act.
The project will also include:
- Replacing the existing air traffic control tower with a new tower
- Meet all building codes including ADA
- Utilize modern, energy efficient HVAC systems
- Install new lighting systems
Heart of Illinois states that unlike at many airports, the Air Traffic Control Tower is locally owned by the Airport Authority. Airport Director, Gene Olson, stated that the old tower opened in 1959, the year before the creation of the Federal Aviation Administration. It is the second oldest tower still in service in the United States and according to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, is in the worst condition of any FAA staffed tower in the nation.
According to Whitehouse.gov, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration will award nearly $1 billion from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to 85 airports across the country to improve terminals of all sizes. The grants expand capacity at our nation's airport terminals, increase energy efficiency, promote competition and provide greater accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Building better airport terminals and air traffic control towers will improve customer experiences, move goods through the economy more efficiently to lower prices and enhance U.S. competitiveness.
"Americans deserve modern airports that meet the needs of their families and growing passenger demand. Funded through President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, today's grants will improve airport terminals while also creating good jobs in communities across the country."
U.S. Transportation Secretary | Pete Buttigieg
Among the airports that will receive these grants, General Wayne A. Downing International Airport in Peoria, Illinois will receive $15 million to construct a new air traffic control tower.
This funding is from the Airport Terminal Program, one of three aviation programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The law provides $1 billion annually for five years for Airport Terminal grants.
This investment in our nation's infrastructure will drive the creation of good-paying union jobs and grow the economy sustainably and equitably to help everyone get ahead for decades to come.