DANVILLE — State Representative Brandun Schweizer (R-Danville) issued the following statement after the Village of Rantoul noted that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has designated Rantoul National Aviation Center (RNAC) eligible for grants under the Military Airport Program (MAP) for Fiscal Year 2027, beginning on October 1, 2026. This selection allows the public-use, general aviation airport to make an estimated $36.4 million in improvements.
“Being eligible for this type of funding is crucial to a community the size of Rantoul,” began Rep. Schweizer. “This funding will help foster much-needed economic development, create jobs, and allow families to settle in the area. I am proud of the work the Village of Rantoul and RNAC have done so far, and I cannot wait to see the progress they make following this new funding eligibility.”
RNAC was established in 1993 after Chanute Air Force Base was decommissioned. With the funding, the airport will be able to update its layout plan, make improvements to the runway safety area, rehabilitate lighting and drainage, construct two taxiways, expand hangar facilities, and upgrade the fuel farm.
Schweizer, along with other state, congressional, and community leaders, was instrumental in supporting the aviation center in securing eligibility for MAP grant funding.
For more information, visit the Village of Rantoul’s website at www.village.rantoul.il.us. To contact Rep. Schweizer, call (217) 477-0104 or visit RepSchweizer.com.