Ground has been broken on the $10.5 million, 120,000 square foot building expansion at the Chicago Rockford International Airport Cargo Center.

The event also celebrated the start of construction of a new $3.5 million ramp for cargo aircraft parking, and the ceremony was attended by government representatives including City of Rockford mayor, Tom McNamara; state representative Joe Sosnowski; US senator Dick Durbin; and congresswoman Cheri Bustos.

Illinois congressman, Adam Kinzinger has welcomed Rockford’s expansion of cargo facilities and ramp expansion system, which is part of the $677 million airport infrastructure grants across the US announced by US Department of Transportation secretary, Elaine Chao.

Speaking after the ground breaking event on 2 July, Kinzinger said: “Today, the Chicago Rockford International Airport is breaking ground on expansion of their cargo facility and recognising the start of construction on the cargo ramp expansion. This is a big project and a large investment that highlights the successes of the Rockford Airport.”

He added: “Improving our aging infrastructure is critical, and I’m proud to see this Administration and our Republican majority pass legislation that follows through on this priority.”