Department of Aviation Holds First of Several Public Information Workshops on the World Gateway Program
(CHICAGO) – October 5, 2000. The City of Chicago Department of Aviation today held the first of several public information meetings on the World Gateway Program. The public was invited to view a presentation on the World Gateway Program and voice their comments about the issues that should be considered during the Environmental Assessment process.
Today’s public meeting marks the beginning of the federal approval process. Those who would like to offer written comments have until October 20, 2000 to submit remarks to Carol Wilinski, Department of Aviation, Chicago O’Hare International Airport, P.O. Box 66142, Chicago, Illinois 60666. Once the draft Environmental Assessment is prepared, the Chicago Department of Aviation will hold a public hearing for additional input on the World Gateway Program. The Federal Aviation Administration considers all comments offered during this process as it determines whether any additional environmental assessment is necessary.
The World Gateway Program will provide greater passenger convenience, reduce flight delays that result from aircraft waiting for a gate, provide seamless connections between domestic and international flights and position O’Hare as the nation’s premier international gateway.
"The Chicago Department of Aviation is committed to an open, public process. The World Gateway Program is needed to move our passengers more efficiently and conveniently. It will also allow us to build on the strong environmental initiatives that are already in place at O’Hare. We are eager to explain how the Program will work and get input from the public as well as the regulatory agencies," said Aviation Commissioner Thomas R. Walker.
The World Gateway Program calls for the development of two new passenger terminals, the redevelopment of one of O’Hare’s existing terminals, and two new federal customs inspection facilities to provide seamless connections for domestic and international passengers. The terminals will more efficiently accommodate the wingspans of the newer, larger, quieter Stage 3 aircraft, which require more gate space and more terminal space for passengers.
A morning meeting was held for state, federal and local agencies at the FAA Regional Headquarters office in Des Plaines. The evening session for all interested parties was held at Fountain Blue Banquets, also in Des Plaines.
