September 28, 2021 – Reflecting the importance and vitality of the state’s aviation system, 12 airports have received Airport of the Year awards from the Illinois Department of Transportation. The awards were presented yesterday during the Illinois Public Airports Association Fall Conference in Galena.
“Aviation is one of the key components that goes into making Illinois the transportation hub of North America,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Our aviation partners take great pride in the work they do supporting transportation, jobs and quality of life in their communities. These awards highlight their efforts as well as those of the entire Illinois aviation community.”
The facilities were selected because of their accomplishments, including an outstanding partnership with IDOT and a strong commitment to customer safety and satisfaction, with Decatur Airport being a 2021 recipient. Among the award considerations are cooperation and coordination with the state, safety record, maintenance of the facility, and promotion of aviation and educational events. Due to the pandemic canceling last year’s conference, awards were based on the achievements of the last two years.
The 2021 recipients are:
• Decatur Airport – Primary Airport of the Year
• Waukegan National Airport – Reliever Airport of the Year
• Southern Illinois Airport – General Aviation Airport of the Year
• Kewanee Municipal Airport – General Aviation Airport of the Year
• Frasca Field – Privately-owned Airport of the Year
• University of Chicago Hospitals – Heliport of the Year
As part of Rebuild Illinois, Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan and multimodal capital program, IDOT is making critical investments in aviation infrastructure, with $150 million identified for the state’s airports. This fall, IDOT will be announcing the recipients of $94 million via Rebuild Illinois to be distributed for airport projects through a competitive grant process.
To learn more about aviation in Illinois and the Illinois Aviation System Plan, visit here.
Image courtesy of the Decatur Park District.
