CAIRO - A proposed aviation education project between Shawnee Community College and Southern Illinois University Carbondale could mean millions of dollars worth of renovation and construction at the Cairo Regional Airport.

College President Larry Peterson recently met with Susan Shea, director of the aeronautics division for the Illinois Department of Transportation, and her staff, as well as SIU President Glenn Poshard and Carbondale campus aviation program representatives to discuss building an aviation education program at the Alexander County airport that would use the faculty and course material from SIUC's nationally renowned aviation programs.

The project would also include about $4 million in improvements and construction to the airport to accommodate students.

Peterson said IDOT officials responded well to the proposal.

"Susan Shea showed a great commitment…not only to aviation, but to education," he said. "She is truly a caring person and her support with this project is monumental to making it a reality."

Poshard and others, including Shawnee Community College board of trustees members, and public officials like U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello, State Sen. Gary Forby and State Rep. Brandon Phelps, have voiced support for the program.

Peterson said he feels confident about the future of the project.