addressed the Illinois House
Appropriations-Capital
Committee on the need for
funding for a third airport.
He was joined by Reggie
Greenwood, left, of the
South Suburban Economic
Development Corporation and
Rick Bryant, senior advisor to
Congresswoman Robin Kelly.
(Provided photo)
“This airport is needed now more than ever before due to the booming logistics and warehousing businesses popping up in our area,” DeLuca said. “With direct access to I-57, the airport will allow for goods to be transported to and from almost anywhere in the world, creating thousands of local jobs and spurring economic growth in our area.”
DeLuca was joined at the hearing by Rick Bryant, senior advisor to U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, and Reggie Greenwood of the South Suburban Economic Development Corporation
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has already approved the need for the South Suburban Airport to be located in Peotone. It would be a supplemental commercial service airfield.
If the money is approved by the Illinois General Assembly, construction on utility connections and vital infrastructure will be able to proceed. DeLuca said work would include an interchange to connect the airport with I-57.
A third Chicago regional airport has been discussed since 1968 and planning began in 1984. The state has purchased farmland for the site and purchased Bult Field, a small airport with a 5,000-foot runway.
The only approval that’s needed is a detailed construction plan by a construction contractor, DeLuca said.
