Washington DC - U.S. Rep. Timothy V. Johnson today announced the award of a $1.1 million grant for apron improvements and a loading bridge at the University of Illinois Willard Airport.

“These vital improvements will allow airplanes to maneuver more easily around the airport and the loading bridge will make it a lot easier for passengers to get on and off airplanes, especially in bad weather,” Rep. Johnson said. “We’re happy to announce this grant and do whatever we can to make Willard as user-friendly as we can.”

The grant of $1,153,300 is through the Federal Aviation Administration. The money will pay for a new passenger loading bridge, for the rehabilitation of the general aviation apron for aircraft parking, and for the rehabilitation of the northeast t-hanger apron for more taxiing and parking space for aircraft based there.