While the Greater Kankakee Airport has been eyed as an economic development tool for southern Kankakee County, a recent announcement by the Illinois Army National Guard fits well into the city and county's plans to grow and expand the airport.

The Illinois Army National Guard recently announced its intent to build a $48.35 million readiness center and Army aviation support facility at the Greater Kankakee Airport.

In trying to secure a new facility for units based at Midway Airport since 2002, the current facility no longer

meets space requirements and training needs for the Guard's aviation units.

After more than two years of negotiations, the Guard signed a 50-year lease with the City of Kankakee and Greater Kankakee Airport to lease 30 acres of property. The military installation will consist of a 64,827-square-foot readiness center and 104,695-square-foot aviation support facility.

The federal government is expected to release $3.8 million for the design funds next fall. The federal share of the total $48.35 million cost is $42.1 million and the state share will be approximately $6.25 million.

"This is a great day for the Illinois Army National Guard," said Maj. Gen. William Enyart, Adjutant General. "We are excited about this new opportunity and expanding our relationship with the City of Kankakee. The city has always been a great supporter of the Illinois National Guard and we look to continue that relationship.”

Once construction on the facility is complete, which is expected to be in 2015 or 2016, the Illinois Army National Guard will move units and equipment from its current site at Midway, which is home to Company B, 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation, and Company B, 935th Aviation Support Battalion. Combined, they represent approximately 200 Soldiers.  There are also about 75 full-time employees who work out of the facility and ten UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters stationed at the airport.