Rockford Airport Money Is Coming, According To Rauner

ROCKFORD, IL — Money from the state planned for Chicago Rockford International Airport may not be released until at least next month. RR Star reported the nearly $15 million to help pay for AAR Corp.'s jet repair hub is part of the fiscal 2019 state budget, therefore it can't be released until the new fiscal year starts July 1, according to the state's comptroller's office. However, Gov. Rauner, a self-proclaimed advocate for the Chicago Rockport Airport, is assuring Rockford that the $14.7 million airport funds is coming, the news source said.

The airport spends nearly $100,000 a month in interest payments to several banks that together are extending a $17 million dollar line of credit to the Rockford airport to make sure the repair hub would be finished on time, according to Airport director Mike Dunn.

RELATED: Rauner Signs Full-Year Budget For First Time Since Taking Office

For now, RR Star reported Dunn said they're "very pleased" to hear things are moving forward.

On June 4, Patch reported Rauner signed the state's $38.5 state budget plan, which is the first full-year budget he's signed since taking office.

Just days before Rauner signed the plan into law, he released a statement saying in part, "With this budget, we can come as close as any General Assembly and Governor in Illinois have in a very long time. It's a step in the right direction, though it does not include much-needed debt paydown and reforms that would reduce taxes, grow our economy, create jobs and raise family incomes."

Image via Shutterstock