Peru New Illinois Valley Regional Airport
Will Attract and Retain Industry

By ALDERMAN EDWARD L. URBAN,
Chairman, Peru Airport Committee

The new Peru Illinois Valley Regional Airport will attract new business and industries as well as help retain existing ones according to Peru Mayor Don Baker. It will not cure all our ills, but it will help the area progress. The city is developing a 100 acre industrial commercial subdivision northwest of the runway. Bade-A-Minit has already purchased a 20-acre site — a 30,000 square foot industrial shell was constructed by the Peru Airport Industrial Group and leased to Robb Corporation of Yorkville, IL — a plastic company to manufacture plastic containers for medicine and commercial and industrial uses. Another 40,000 square foot shell is presently under construction.

In light of the new Mitsubishi plant in Bloomington-Normal, this area is going to grow. Baker actively has sought an airport for the Illinois Valley for 30 years. On numerous occasions, when businesses were interested in sites in this area, they were discouraged because of a lack of an adequate airport. Mayor Baker said the new airport is able to accommodate all propeller aircraft up to 20,000 pounds and small business jets. The runway is 4,000 feet long with a capacity for expansion as future needs dictate. Its width is 75 feet.

The airport has a pilot-controlled approach lighting system and a nondirectional beacon, 12,000 square foot terminal building hangar and storage facility, and 8,000 square foot office facility, private pilots lounge, complete meeting room facilities. Airport service provides two flights daily to O'Hare, Chicago, and return; and soon to provide two flight services daily and return to Midway Airport in Chicago.

With Mayor Baker's leadership, the city of Peru is the "sponsor" for the airport. Governor James Thompson awarded the city $1.1 million grant to pay 50 percent of the cost of the facility; after that, local efforts were made to a matching $1.1 million.

An approximate breakdown of cost: Land acquisition — $825,000; Engineering plans and specifications and legal administration — $200,000; and Construction — $1,175,000. Total cost — $2,200,000. Additional 20 Space T Hangar and 14 additional tie downs are now under construction and should be completed by October 15, 1987.

Airport services provided by Hawkline Group, Ltd., a Delaware Corporation — A complete fixed (FOB). Hawkline Airport Services, Inc. offers the visiting on-base pilot a wide range of services including Avgas 100 LL and Jet A fuel, rental cars, limousine transportation, courtesy car, catering and convenient snack bars, as well as private pilots' lounge, and complete meeting room facilities, photography, aircraft maintenance, and aircraft sales. This is one of the best airport facilities within 60 miles any direction from the city of Peru between Peoria — Rockford — Joliet — Bloomington-Normal.

Being chairman of the Airport Committee, I would like to mention that the city of Peru, its citizens, and the entire Illinois Valley Community is very proud of the new Peru Regional Airport.

I personally feel airports are a benefit to a community because they attract new industry, new jobs, new money; and they, therefore, broaden the tax base and retain old industries in the community. The airport is a transportation link to all the airports — a tool to attract new industry and employment center and tourist activity. In our community a flying club has been organized, and the group has purchased two new planes — that shows that since the opening of the airport in October of 1985, it has proven itself a successful operation in Peru and in the Illinois Valley Community. This project was strongly supported by the Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce and all smaller communities surrounding the city of Peru. •

October 1987 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 21