Community Corner
Improvements Under Way at Lewis University Airport
The improvements will be completed by this winter.
Two years ago, area officials including Romeoville Mayor John Noak and U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski met with FAA chiefs to discuss runway improvements they believe could make Lewis University a hub for Fortune 500 companies.
On Wednesday, the project moved one step closer to reality as officials gathered to celebrate the start of the final phase of a $4.2 million reconstruction project. According to a press release from Lipinski's office, the runway upgrades will provide 72 construction jobs.
The project is funded in part by a $2.5 million grant made possible by the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill. Lipinski was among lawmakers pushing hard for the legislation, which passed last year.
“I’m extremely pleased to have worked with local officials and Lewis University Airport so we could bring this important runway reconstruction to its finish,” Rep. Lipinski, who sits on the Aviation Subcommittee, said in a statement. “These improvements are creating good construction jobs right now, but the new runway will only serve to enhance the airport’s capacity and generate more economic opportunity for local communities far into the future. I will always recognize the importance of Lewis University Airport to the region and will keep working with the federal government so we continue to invest in its future.”
Work began this spring on the reconstruction of the eastern half of Runway 9-27, originally built in 1989. The FAA recently awarded an additional $1.3 million so construction can start within the next few weeks on the 5,700-foot runway's western half. The project also includes the installation of new airfield lighting to improve safety at the airport.
The state and the Joliet Regional Port District each are contributing $211,311 to the project.
The new runway is slated to be completed by this winter. According to Lipinski, the project will allow Lewis University Airport to better accommodate larger airport and future growth, helping create additional jobs and business development in the area.
“We greatly appreciate Congressman Lipinski’s leadership in helping to make these improvements possible,” Romeoville Mayor John Noak said in a statement. “Lewis University Airport is an economic engine not just for the Village of Romeoville, but for the entire region. This project ensures that the airport will continue to draw jobs and businesses to our communities for years to come.”
In 2011, both Noak and Lipinski said the improvements could help foster economic growth throughout the Chicago area.
- Read: FAA Chief, Local Officials Talk Lewis University Airport Projects
- Also: Lewis University Plans Runway Project
“Lewis University Airport can be the executive airport for the Chicago region,” Lipinski said.
Owned and operated by the Joliet Regional Port District, the Lewis University Airport accommodates more than 100,000 arrivals and departures annually.
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