Peoria airport to get $5.4 million boost

PEORIA -- Peoria International Airport is getting a $5.4 million boost.

The mix of local, state and federal funding will support ongoing work on a new terminal and other improvements.

The work is expected to create 155 jobs.

Gov. Pat Quinn announced the funding Saturday.

He says the airport improvements will better connect Peoria-area businesses to the rest of the world.

The airport is undergoing a two-year overhaul, including the replacement of the 50-year-old terminal. The new building will cost an estimated $60 million.

The state has provided nearly $12 million for airport improvements.