Rockford Airport Authority Approves Agreement for AAR Facility; RVC Facility on Track

ROCKFORD (WIFR) – A major next step in the plan to bring hundreds of new jobs to Rockford happens today.

The Rockford Airport Authority has voted to approve their share of millions of dollars to bring aviation maintenance corporation AAR to the Stateline.
Airport Executive Director Mike Dunn has been working on bringing AAR to Rockford three years and says he feels there’s enough support from the city of Rockford and Winnebago County to share the cost to bring the massive facility to the airport.

AAR plans to build a 9-10 story, 200,000 square foot maintenance repair and overhaul facility to the airport and with it 500 new jobs within two years of its opening and maybe even more after. The airport authority Is approving their part of an intergovernmental agreement between the city and county today. Dunn says this isn’t a project that still needs to be worked out, the plan is in motion and it is happening.

“Well, it’s been a long three years for this project, and a very rewarding three years in that this spring we should be starting a lot of construction. If you don’t like this for economic development, you won’t like anything for economic development,” says Dunn.

The facility will cost over $40 million to build. The airport, city, and county, will help pay for it, along with help from state and federal grant money.

The county and city have until February 15 to sign on, or the deal is dead per an agreement with AAR. However, Mike Dunn says this project has been in the works for so many years, he’s certain they’ll avoid missing that deadline.

AAR is partnering with Rock Valley College and RVC’s new facility is also on track.

Construction is progressing on the $5 million aviation facility. The footings and foundations are now complete and steel is being put up which should be complete early next month.

The building is scheduled to open for the fall semester. It will house students for the expanded aviation maintenance technology program. About 50 students are expected to graduate each year, potential hires for AAR next door. In fact, AAR has promised every program graduate an interview with their company.