SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that seven airports have received Airport of the Year awards reflecting the outstanding achievements of the state’s aviation community. Presented this week at the Illinois Public Airports Association fall conference in Galena, the awards also celebrate the contribution of airports to the state’s overall economy and transportation system.
“Airports are an essential connection between communities large and small, providing landing space for medical transporters and enhancing local quality of life,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Our airport system in Illinois is diverse, flying tens of millions of people each year for both business and leisure. We’re proud to recognize these airports and grateful for the many services they provide.”
The airports were selected because of their many accomplishments, including an outstanding partnership with IDOT and a strong commitment to customer safety and satisfaction. Among the award considerations are cooperation and coordination with the state, safety record, maintenance of the facility as well as promotion of aviation and educational events.
The 2024 recipients:
- Wayne A. Downing Airport-Primary Airport of the Year
- Louis Regional Airport-Reliever Airport of the Year
- Jacksonville Municipal Airport -Large General Aviation Airport of the Year
- Crawford County Airport -Small General Aviation Airport of the Year
- Wolford’s Airport -Private Airport of the Year
- Brussels Heliport-Heliport of the Year
- Mount Vernon Airport-Aeronautical Event of the Year
Illinois is home to 100 public-use airports and heliports, with nearly 3,000 registered aircraft. The system of airports supports more than 492,000 jobs, with a combined payroll of $21.9 billion and a total economic impact of $95.5 billion.
Through Gov. Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program, IDOT is investing a total of $150 million in aviation. In 2021, the governor announced a $94 million commitment to airports throughout the state, unlocking $11.5 million in local contributions for a combined investment of $105.5 million. The funding was the largest statewide capital investment for airports in state history.
To learn more about aviation in Illinois and the Illinois Aviation System Plan, visit www.ilaviation.com.