The Illinois Department of Transportation's Division of Aeronautics presented the honor Thursday at the annual Illinois Aviation Conference luncheon in Moline.

Officials say the selection is based on a number of factors including cooperation and coordination with the Division of Aeronautics and the Federal Aviation Administration, the facility's safety record and maintenance of the airport.

The airport's accomplishments include completing two phases of runway construction, Rockford AirFest 2012 and working with the state's Illinois Jobs Now program to expand a parking lot.

The airport was also recognized for working with the city of Rockford and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity on a 70-acre solar farm.