Former Illinois base transferred to village of Rantoul

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RANTOUL, Ill. (AFPN) --  Air Force officials recently transferred more than 780 acres of the former Chanute Air Force Base to Rantoul, Ill., in a deed signing ceremony. 

This transfer marks a significant milestone for the Air Force in achieving property transfer goals, and the village's title ownership of the Federal Aviation Administration-sponsored airport. 

Air Force representatives, with concurrence from U.S. and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency officials, assessed the former base property in 2006 and deemed it suitable for transfer to the village. FAA agents concurred with Air Force findings that no environmental concerns are associated with the property. 

"This success is a direct result of strong partnerships," said Adam Antwine, Air Force Real Property Agency senior representative. 

The mayor of Rantoul and the village administrator, along with representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and Illinois Department of Transportation worked together to make this transfer possible and were present for the ceremony Aug. 16. 

"This transfer is a demonstration of the Air Force's commitment to complete environmental actions and transfer the former base property for productive reuse," Mr. Antwine said. "The Air Force has worked closely with the Village of Rantoul, as well as the Federal Aviation Administration and regulatory agencies to see this transfer happen." 

Near-term plans for airport improvements include installing new lighting and electrical systems and repairing a rise in the middle of the north-south runway. The transfer of this property will facilitate Rantoul receiving airport improvement grant funds from the Federal Aviation Administration and the Illinois Department of Transportation. 

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