Acting Premier Peter Ryan is expected to make the announcement during his visit to Mildura today.

Mr Ryan said the $2.2 million boost for the airport terminal upgrade would increase the government’s contribution to $5.2 million and ensure the expansion proceeded without delay.

“The Coalition pledged $3 million towards the project during the 2010 election campaign and had originally hoped the Commonwealth would meet the remaining costs,” he said.

“With no sign of funding from the Commonwealth, and given the project’s significance to the region, the Victorian Coalition has decided to increase its commitment to ensure the project goes ahead.”

Mildura Rural City Council will also contribute more than $1 million to the redevelopment. Member for Mildura Peter Crisp said the improvements would include an extension of the passenger terminal as well as a refurbishment of the internal areas of the airport.

For more of this story, purchase your copy of Thursday's Sunraysia Daily 23/2/2012.