Senate approves Sen. Brady's bill to help twin cities' airport board         

[April 27, 2007]  SPRINGFIELD -- Helping the Bloomington-Normal Airport Authority operate more efficiently is the aim of legislation sponsored by state Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, and approved Wednesday by the Illinois Senate.

Senate Bill 38 allows the Bloomington-Normal Airport Authority Board, as well as the Springfield Airport Authority, to create a new seat on the board for each municipality in the district with a population greater than 5,000.

"Adding two seats will make it easier for members of the board to talk about business and prepare for meetings, allowing business to transact in a more timely and efficient manner," Brady said. "Regional airports play an important role in meeting the transportation needs of Illinois residents. The Central Illinois Regional Airport at Bloomington-Normal continues to set records for the volume of travelers."

The newly appointed commissioners will serve a term of either four or five years, initially determined by lot. All subsequent terms will be for five years. Airport authorities are charged with the establishment, maintenance and operation of safe, adequate and necessary public airports and public airport facilities throughout the state.

Senate Bill 38 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

[Text from news release sent on behalf of Sen. Bill Brady and received from Illinois Senate Republican staff]