Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza just released nearly $15 million in back funds for Chicago Rockford International Airport.
The money was supposed to go toward the construction of the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facility. Airport Executive Director Mike Dunn says the project began four years ago, but the state’s contribution never came.
“Governor Quinn’s administration made the commitment," Dunn said. "He left office. Governor Rauner came in and Rauner ended up giving us nothing.”
To cover this shortfall, the airport took out a loan from several community banks. The interest payments cost nearly one hundred thousand dollars a month. Dunn says the airport can now pay off that loan. Dunn credits the outreach efforts of Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara, U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, and U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos for the Pritzker administration finally delivering the promised funds.