Officials break ground on Rockford jet facility

ROCKFORD, Ill. (AP) — Officials have broken ground on a $43 million jet repair facility at Rockford International Airport even as they sort out how to pay for the project.

The Thursday ceremony kicked off the construction project set to get underway in the spring. The state of Illinois has committed $15 million for construction and airport officials are looking for $10 million in federal funds. Officials say the project will create at least 500 jobs. They also hope the facility will attract more flight-related business, development and jobs in the area.