New Control Tower Opens at Lewis University Airport
Published: November 15, 2022.
Legislators, community members, and aviation enthusiasts gathered November 14 to cut the ribbon on Lewis University Airport’s new air traffic control tower on Nov. 14. The Joliet Regional Port District expects the tower to be operational in December.
The Joliet Regional Port District has owned and operated the Lewis University Airport since 1989. The facility is Will County’s premier corporate airport and serves as an educational space for Lewis University, which is adjacent to the airport. Lewis currently enrolls over 750 aviation students.
The tower will provide increased safety and make the airport more accessible to grow the regional economy and create jobs. At least seven new full-time controllers will be employed at the tower, and plans are underway to finalize commitments for additional aircraft maintenance and storage operations at the airport.
The $8.2 million nine-story tower was funded through support from the Federal Aviation Administration, the State of Illinois and Joliet Regional Port District.
Lewis University Board Member and Former Congressman Dan Lipinski also worked to make the tower project eligible for federal funding and was instrumental in advocating for the project.
Lewis University is an innovative Catholic university offering market-relevant undergraduate and graduate programs to 6,500 students. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis University is nationally recognized for preparing intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, and globally-connected graduates who impact the world for the better. Visit www.lewisu.edu for further information.
