Congressional Stalemate Puts Lewis Runway Project on Hold

Plans to rebuild a 20-year-old runway at are on hold due to a congressional standoff on the debt, according to a Herald-News report.

The paper reported Monday that Congress’ failure to renew the Federal Aviation Administration’s operating authority have halted plans to begin the $3 million project, which was scheduled for sometime next year.

“Now it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen,” Chris Lawson, aviation director for the airport, told the Herald.

The project, which would rebuild the 5,700-foot east-west runway, is one of dozens of projects stalled due to the fact that the FAA’s operating authority will expire at midnight Friday, according to the report.

The Lewis University Airport is owned operated by the Joliet Regional Port District.

For more on the project and the FAA shutdown, click here.