Rockford Airport Lands Federal Funds for Cargo Expansion

Sept. 24, 2020

ROCKFORD — The U.S. Department of Transportation is allocating $5.8 million to upgrade cargo operations at Chicago Rockford International Airport, according to a joint news release from the state's two U.S. senators and U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-East Moline.

The funding will be used to build a larger cargo apron to meet growing demand at RFD.

"Our region depends on the Chicago Rockford International Airport as a backbone for our local economy and provides jobs for the Rockford community," Bustos said.

RFD is a vital transportation asset and an economic driver for all of Illinois, according to U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin.

"Thanks to continued federal investment, the ongoing expansion and upgrades at RFD will create jobs and ensure we can keep up with increased air cargo demands," Durbin said.

Since 2015, Durbin, Bustos and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth have helped secure more than $50 million in federal funds for the Rockford airport's ongoing expansion.

RFD is one of the top 20 cargo airports in the nation and is home to UPS' second-largest North American air hub as well as an Amazon Regional Gateway.

Ken DeCoster: [email protected]; @DeCosterKen

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