Collaborative efforts amongst local and federal officials, has yielded results in their continued work to improve transportation facilities for the Springfield community. Last week, the Federal Aviation Administration issued an Airport Improvement Program grant in the amount of $6,625,171 to support the Springfield Airport Authority’s passenger terminal improvement and modernization project.
Springfield Airport Authority Board Chair, Frank J. Vala, stated, “This grant will allow us to continue our planned capital improvements on the passenger terminal facility. None of this would have been remotely possible without the continued support of our federal delegation that represents our interests here in Springfield.” He continued, “U.S. Senators Durbin and Duckworth, and U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood and Rodney Davis are all to be recognized for their support of our airport’s capital improvement program.” Congressman Darin LaHood and his staff are to be commended for their steadfast and persistent pursuit of this funding opportunity, which will significantly advance our capital improvement program.” Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport is located in Illinois’ 18th Congressional District, which is currently represented by Congressman LaHood. Vala concluded, “Efforts to seek these airport improvement funds started locally over a year ago with Mayor Langfelder and Sangamon County Chairman VanMeter’s partnership during community lobbying trips to Washington D.C. The delegation took it from there with Representative Darin LaHood leading the way with his relationship with officials at the FAA.”
Construction on the terminal started earlier this year through a contract award to R.L. Vollintine Construction, Inc. in the amount of $1,181,000. This work included the replacement of windows, removal of remnants of the old air traffic control tower on the terminal’s third floor and numerous roofing improvements.
Last week the Springfield Airport Authority awarded construction projects to R.D. Lawrence Construction Co. in the amount of $5,519,900 and to Bodine Electric in the amount of $161,687. These construction contract awards will cover the expansion of the secure passenger waiting lounge, the relocation and modernization of the TSA passenger screening checkpoint, a modernized exit portal to the terminal from the secure lounge, widening of the terminal between doors A and B, updated entry ways, widening of the corridor connecting the main terminal and the baggage claim and car rental lobby, new sidewalks and canopy, windows, roofing, new family restroom, and a new back-up power generation unit.  Completion of these projects is expected in late 2019.
In recent years the Authority has completed a number of terminal improvement projects, including the installation of a second passenger boarding bridge, addition of a new elevator and public restroom renovations; all of which comply with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
The FAA’s Airport Improvement Program was created to promote the development of a system of airports to meet the nations need. Funds obligated for the program are drawn from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, which is supported by user fees, fuel taxes, and other similar revenue sources.
