IL SB1232

Expands "public benefit" definition in Section 34 to include aircraft hangars, fixed-based operator buildings, and aircraft maintenance buildings at nonprimary airports included in the State Airport Plan, making them eligible for Department financial assistance.

Allows the Department to provide financial assistance for planning, construction, and improvement of air navigation facilities at municipalities, political subdivisions, and privately owned commercial airports, provided facilities serve public use and benefit.

Requires airport owners and operators receiving financial assistance to maintain facilities for public benefit during a minimum useful life of 20 years and ensure the public retains fair, equal, and uniform access to the airport.

Permits municipalities with populations over 500,000 and primary commercial service airports with at least 10,000 annual enplanements to directly accept and disburse federal Airport and Airway Improvement Act funds without designating the Department as their agent.

Establishes that when the Department is designated as agent for federal funds, the State must provide a matching contribution to the local share of eligible project costs, subject to available appropriation.