Repository: UIHistories Project: Dedication - Willard Airport [PAGE 11]

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funds by the Civil Aeronautics Administration. The State of Illinois has provided $750,000 for land and buildings. The United States Government has to date expended $1,500,000 for grading, drainage, construction of runways and taxiways, and other ground improvements. Due to lack of critical materials during the war it has not been possible to begin construction of buildings until recently. The Board of Trustees purchased a hangar from the Defense Plant Corporation which was removed from its original location near Grady, Arkansas, to the University Airport site. Plans and specifications for an Administration Building have been completed, and its construction will begin as soon as contracts can be awarded. This building will include a control tower, weather station, administrative offices, ticket office for air lines, a main waiting room for passengers, food service, and general space adaptable for educational programs. The Airport project could not have been initiated or carried to completion without the public-spirited cooperation of many groups and individuals, in Champaign-Urbana, in Champaign County, in the State of Illinois, and in Washington. Public officials, private citizens, and representatives of labor, industry, the press, and other agencies have all contributed their support. While credit is due to many, the Honorable Dwight H. Green, Governor of Illinois, and the Honorable Scott W. Lucas, Senior United States Senator from Illinois, were outstanding figures in the development of the project. It was Governor Green's enthusiastic support which resulted in the necessary State legislation, and the efforts of Senator Lucas made possible the Federal Grant

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