ROCHELLE, IL – The Rochelle Municipal Airport is the recipient of the “2011 Airport of the Year” Award given by the IDOT Division of Aeronautics and presented to Mayor Chet Olson, Airport Manager, Don Elliott and Airport Operations Supervisor, Mark Delhotal at the Illinois Aviation Conference on May 25, 2011.
The Rochelle Municipal Airport has seen significant growth over the past several years. Important projects completed and in progress include the addition of fiber-optic communications, sewer lines, 24-hour self-serve fueling, a new community hangar, perimeter fencing and stormwater detention and management. A runway expansion project is underway and is currently in the land acquisition phase. A new electrical vault will soon be constructed in advance of the runway expansion.
Several new businesses have joined the Rochelle Municipal Airport including Chicagoland Skydiving Center in 2011, Rochelle Avionics in 2009, and Rochelle Aviation in 2008. Chicagoland Skydiving Center’s new facility including a hangar, office, retail, and training space, and a restaurant all slated to open in 2012. The addition of a 30 lot RV park will come in May 2011.
The Airport of the Year Award is given to an airport that meets all standards with regard to safety, maintenance and operations and has the ability to work within the guidelines and regulations indicated by the IDOT Division of Aeronautics. Other factors used to determine the award recipient include long term strategic plans for expansion and the level of local support of projects. The Rochelle Municipal Airport has been fortunate to have the support of the Airport Advisory Board, Planning & Zoning Commission, City Council, the IDOT Division of Aeronautics and the FAA.