[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded $2,738,572 in grants to two Illinois airports. “Today’s grants will allow the airports in Rockford and Marion to make needed improvements and upgrades to help them serve travelers more safely and efficiently,” said Durbin. The following airports will receive funding under today’s announcement: · Chicago / Rockford International Airport, Rockford: $1,680,109 in funding to update the airport master plan study which was last completed in 1973. The funding will also be used toward the costs of airport’s cargo apron needed to accommodate cargo demands at the airport; · Williamson County Regional Airport, Marion: $1,058,463 in funding to begin construction of a west parallel taxiway for Runway 2/20 which will eliminate the need for aircraft to taxi on the runway.