The Illinois Department of Transportation has named the Vermilion Regional Airport the 'General Aviation Airport of the Year.'

The award is for Category A, and was one of seven awarded Wednesday at the Illinois Aviation Conference in Collinsville.

Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider said ''We are very proud of the commitment made to ensure the comfort and safety of Illinois travelers.'' Schneider said ''These airports set the bar for excellence, and we are happy to partner with them to continue to advance aviation and further safe and efficient air travel throughout Illinois.''

Each year, senior staff from IDOT's Division of Aeronautics convenes to determine which airports should receive special recognition as ''Airport of the Year''. The criteria for the award are based on cooperation and coordination with the Division of Aeronautics by airport management and their staff, the facility's safety record, maintenance of the facility and the promotion of seminars and aviation events.

94.1 WGFA