CHAMPAIGN – The University of Illinois Willard Airport is set to receive funding through the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Division of Aeronautics, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) announced Friday.

“Willard Airport is an important economic engine for Champaign County and these funds will be critical to improving the facility,” Bennett said. “Investing in airport infrastructure will enhance safety, create jobs and provide economic benefits to our community.”

A state commitment of $1.55 million to leverage a total investment of $31 million for airport improvements will improve safety and boost capacity in Champaign-Urbana, Quincy and Rockford.

These projects are made possible by $27.9 million in supplemental discretionary funding through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program, with the Illinois Department of Transportation providing the matching funds to maximize the funding opportunity and accelerate construction.

The University of Illinois – Willard Airport will receive $9.9 million from federal funds, $550,000 state match, and $550,000 local match for runway reconstruction.

CHAMPAIGN – The U.S. Small Business Administration resumed accepting applications to its Paycheck Protection Program last week, and State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is encouraging small business owners to contact participating lenders to apply.

“Small businesses are the foundation of our communities,” Bennett said. “Small businesses that have been hurt or impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic should take advantage as soon as possible.”

The Small Business Administration has extended the application deadline to allow more businesses to apply for a portion of $10 million in aid. Funding will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and may be used to keep people on the payroll and pay overhead expenses. The new deadline to apply for a PPP loan is Aug. 8.

Businesses that need help with the application process can contact the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, which assists entrepreneurs and companies by providing free and confidential business guidance, training and other resources.

More than 27,000 Illinois businesses have already taken advantage of the loans – saving an estimated 1.36 million jobs – according to the Small Business Administration.

PPP loans have an interest rate of 1% and can be fully forgiven if they are used for eligible costs, including payroll, rent, utilities or interest on mortgages. To find participating lenders, business owners and managers can visit the Small Business Administration’s website here.

CHAMPAIGN – To support the many Illinoisans working and learning from home as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is pleased to announce the Housing Authority of Champaign County has been selected to receive a state grant funding broadband advancements across the community.

“This pandemic has served as a reminder to residents just how crucial broadband access is,” Bennett said. “Many rural areas lack high-speed internet service, but this grant will enhance broadband accessibility and ensure those communities can stay connected.”

The Housing Authority of Champaign is one of 12 organizations to receive a grant from the Illinois Dept. of Commerce and Economic Opportunity through the Illinois Connected Communities program, created to help build broadband capacity in underserved areas.

In addition to an award of up to $15,000, the 12-month program provides free expert consultation to enable each Illinois Connected Community to complete a plan for expanding broadband that identifies actions to improve internet access in the areas of community and economic development, education, civic engagement, healthcare, agriculture, and more.

The program directs $150,000 in state-funded small grants for community and local government partners to help improve access to high-speed broadband in their communities. The state grants will be matched by $150,000 in philanthropic funds.

These grants will help lay the groundwork for individual communities to play a part in Connect Illinois, a $420 million program to bring basic internet access to all communities by 2024. Connect Illinois contemplates a second round of grants later this year.

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is reminding Illinois residents that state income tax returns and payments are due July 15, the same deadline established by the Internal Revenue Service for federal income taxes.

“Given the public health emergency, the filing deadline was extended by three months to provide some relief for residents facing financial hardship during the COVID-19 outbreak,” Bennett said. “As the filing deadline approaches, I encourage taxpayers to do their part and file their returns in a timely manner.”
 
According to the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR), the fastest, most secure way to receive a refund is to file a tax return electronically and request a direct deposit into a checking or savings account. Taxpayers may file and pay their IL-1040 for free through MyTax Illinois. Taxpayers who have already filed a return can check their status at www.MyTax.Illinois.gov.
 
For the most up-to-date information, forms, schedules and instructions for the 2019 tax year, please visit IDOR’s website at tax.illinois.gov.