New National Guard facility
KANKAKEE — The Illinois Army National Guard announced plans on Nov. 30 to build a $48.35 million Readiness Center and Army Aviation Support Facility at the Greater Kankakee Airport.
The Illinois Army National Guard has worked to secure a new facility for units based at the Midway Army Aviation Support Facility since 2002. The current facility does not meet the space requirements and training needs of the Illinois Army National Guard aviation units.
After more than two years of negotiations, the Illinois Army National Guard signed a 50-year lease with the city of Kankakee and Greater Kankakee Airport to lease the 30 acres of property. The military installation will consist of a 64,827-square-foot Readiness Center and 104,695-square-foot Army Aviation Support Facility.
The federal government is expected to release $3.8 million for the design funds next fall. The federal share of the total $48.35 million cost is $42.1 million and the state share will be approximately $6.25 million. The Illinois National Guard hopes to have construction completed by 2015 or 2016.
“This is a great day for the Illinois Army National Guard,” said Maj. Gen. William Enyart, Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. “The Illinois Army National Guard has moved forward and secured a location for the Midway Army Aviation Support Facility that will adequately meet the needs of our Soldiers and missions at the Greater Kankakee Airport. We are excited about this new opportunity and expanding our relationship with the city of Kankakee. The city has always been a great supporter of the Illinois National Guard and we look to continue that relationship.”
Once construction on the facility is complete, the Illinois Army National Guard will move units and equipment from its current site at Midway Aviation Facility. The Midway Aviation Facility is home to Company B, 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation, and Company B, 935th Aviation Support Battalion, which combined have approximately 200 Soldiers. There are also about 75 full-time employees who work out of the facility and 10 UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters stationed at the airport.
