Governor Quinn Announces $461,000 for Waukegan Airport Improvements

WAUKEGAN – Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $461,000 capital investment for a construction project at the Waukegan Regional Airport. The project is part of Governor Quinn’s agenda to create jobs and drive Illinois’ economy forward. The contract was awarded following a competitive bidding process and addresses a critical infrastructure need while creating construction jobs.

“Investments in airports like this one in Waukegan make them safer and more efficient,” Governor Quinn said. “The project will also employ a number of construction workers, which will drive local economy forward.”

The project will involve the second phase of a new perimeter fence installation. Collins & Hermann, Inc. of St. Louis was the lower of two bidders for the work with a quote of $461,288. Construction should begin in May. The Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics will manage the project, which includes federal, state and local funding.

“This project is a much needed safety improvement for Waukegan Regional Airport,” State Representative Rita Mayfield (D-Waukegan) said. “The construction jobs are important for local residents and the airport is one of the few economic engines in our area so it’s important that we maintain the facilities for the future generations.”

The state funds for the project come from Governor Quinn’s $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program, which supports more than 439,000 jobs over six years. It is the largest capital construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest capital construction programs in the nation.