Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- Dozens of community members, city and county officials, and representatives from multiple local lawmakers were in attendance for the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Effingham County Regional Airport on Thursday morning.
While local lawmakers could not attend in person, members of their staff were. Representative Bost, state representative Niemerg, Wilhour, and Halbrook all had staff members present for the ceremony. Also in attendance were Mayor Mike Schutzbach, City Council member Libby Moeller, County Board Chairman Josh Douthit (Pictured above), and other members of the County Board including Norbert Soldtwedel, Doug McCain, and Tim Ellis.
Josh Douthit started by thanking everyone involved, including giving a shoutout to City Commissioner Hank Stephens, who helped coordinate between the City and County. Josh also gave recognition to the late Tony Siemer, who was instrumental in making this extension a reality. Josh also pointed out that state funding for this project was 90% through the Rebuild Illinois program, specifically money set aside for airport improvements throughout the state.
Ken Wohltman, Chairman of the Airport Commission (and pictured above), thanked everyone for making this project a reality. It was a long process, but it was worth it for the airport to become what it is today.
Airport Superintendent Greg Koester also spoke briefly and thanked everyone in attendance, and said it was a group effort to make this possible.
The ribbon cutting was held on the extended runway with local officials and community members gathering around as the ribbon was cut.
A big thanks to everyone who made this airport extension possible. It is a credit to our community to see how much the airport has grown.
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