Work began yesterday at the Rochelle Municipal Airport involving dirt being moved for the runway extension at Koritz Field.
The city has worked on this project for several years dealing with the purchase of land along with grant money. The extension is expected to cost around 1.2 million dollars. The city's share will be just under $107,000.
Airport Manager Mark Delhotal said the work will be done in 114 days.
The runway will be extended to 5,000 feet. It is currently 4,226 feet.
Koritz Field averages around 35 planes a day.
The airport also suffered minor damage from the storm that hit the Hub City on November 17th. 2 doors were blown off the hangars and a total of 7 were damaged.
The city has also reached a 1-year contract agreement with Rochelle Avionics. The company will pay $1,000 per month for the 1st 11 months and just under 14 hundred dollars in the final month of the deal.
Chicagoland Skydiving Center informed the Airport Advisory Board that total jumps were down in 2013 compared to last year, but they have seen an increase in visitors at the facility.