Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker joined state and local officials to celebrate the Morris Municipal Airport runway project on Wednesday.
The $14.7 million project will improve safety at the airport during landings and takeoffs during adverse weather. The project is part of Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois capital program which invested more than $12 million in capital investments. The new runway will be the second at the airport and will also improve the airport’s capacity while creating jobs and economic opportunity. Officials estimate it will enable the airport to add an additional 40,000 touch downs per year.
“Rebuild Illinois isn’t just about filling potholes, repairing train crossings, and building runways—we set out to lay the foundation for economic prosperity, better jobs, and a more affordable future for the people of Illinois.” Pritzker said. “We’re proud to support this critical project in Morris as part of our larger vision to make Illinois’ aviation infrastructure the best in the nation.”
The project includes a 3,500-foot runway as well as other improvements like new taxiways and lighting. The current airfield has one runway which is dangerous for small planes when conditions are too windy. The runway has been in the planning stages for more than 14 years, officials said. Once the state committed $11.8 million, the project was able to move forward. The city of Morris will contribute $2.9 million toward the project. The airport is expected to support 130 jobs and generate $15.2 million in local economic input.