Reconstruct runway lighting

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded a Project Grant of $1,157,894.74 to the Decatur Park District (operating as the Decatur Airport Dept) under the Airport Improvement Program (CFDA 20.106) on September 8, 2025. This grant funds Phase 3 of a runway lighting reconstruction project at Decatur Airport in Long Creek, Illinois, which involves reconstructing 3,216 feet of lighting systems on Runway 12/30. The existing runway lighting infrastructure has reached the end of its useful life, and this project phase will modernize the airfield's lighting systems to support safe and efficient airport operations. The project is scheduled for completion by September 7, 2029.

This award represents part of the FAA's broader commitment to maintaining and modernizing airport infrastructure nationwide. The Airport Improvement Program provides federal funding to support the development, modernization, and maintenance of public-use airports across the National Plan of Integrated Airports Systems. Decatur Park District, an established airport authority in Illinois, has received multiple federal grants totaling approximately $7.4 million since 2022 for comprehensive airport improvements, including runway rehabilitation, taxiway enhancements, and infrastructure upgrades across multiple airfield components.

Activities and expected outcomes

This project reconstructs existing runway 12/30 lighting that has reached the end of its useful life. This grant funds phase 3, which consists of reconstructing 3,216 feet of lighting. Intended beneficiary: this grant will provide federal funding for airports associated with decatur, illinois.