Gov. Kim Reynolds announced today the plan for distributing $100 million in Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding allocated to the state of Iowa for airport infrastructure. The Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids (CID) is eligible for $28.35 million of that funding.
“This is on target to be the largest award in our airport’s history,” Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell stated in a release. “Business leaders make relocation and expansion decisions based on taxes, workforce, and aviation.”
According to a 2017 study, CID contributes more than $451 million in total annual economic impact to Cedar Rapids and the greater region. This activity includes supporting 5,000 jobs with an estimated payroll of $171 million.
“The Eastern Iowa Airport plays a significant role in our region’s economic strength. It is a critical component in attracting new businesses and jobs to Cedar Rapids,” Cedar Rapids City Manager Jeff Pomeranz stated. “We are very appreciative of this funding and the recognition of the important role the Eastern Iowa Airport plays in transporting passengers and cargo across the state.”
Airport Director Marty Lenss said, “The Eastern Iowa Airport represents a third of Iowa’s commercial passenger traffic, and our passenger traffic recovery is outpacing the national average. This is a historic investment in the state’s commercial service airports.”
Funds will be managed by the Iowa Department of Transportation through a new Iowa Commercial Aviation Infrastructure Fund (ICAIF). Through the distribution formula, the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids (CID) is eligible to receive $28,350,890. The funding will be used for passenger terminal modernization and expansion.
To date, CID has invested nearly $55 million through the first three phases of its Terminal Modernization Project. CID has identified more than $50 million in additional improvements to match continued growth at the airport. Funding through ICAIF will enable the completion of the fourth and final phase of improvements. Local funds will match the State investment. Improvements are scheduled to begin in spring 2023.
