Mayor Daley Unveils Long Term Proposal to Keep Chicagoland's O'Hare Airport Competitive.
Proposal Relieves Delays and Congestion and Addresses Capacity; Maintains O’Hare as Region’s Economic Engine; Says Proposal Will Protect Local Taxpayers.

June 29,2001 - Mayor Richard M. Daley today delivered on his commitment to offer a proposal by July 1 to relieve the congestion and delays confronting O’Hare Airport.

"Today, we are announcing a plan to enhance Chicagoland’s role as the nation’s transportation center. It will maintain O’Hare’s as one of the premiere airports in the world," Daley said.

Daley said that after years of debating various solutions it is time for local and state leaders to come together to develop and implement a local solution to the problems confronting Chicago’s airports.

He commended Governor Ryan for expressing a willingness to consider a proposal.

Addressing the intent of the proposal Daley said, "It will relieve the delays and congestion at O’Hare in a way that maintains safety and increases efficiency. It addresses quality of life issues for those who live in areas adjacent to O’Hare."

He went on to say that "because the issues of delay and capacity are interrelated, our proposal also addresses the capacity issue into the future in a safe, efficient way. And, it protects local taxpayers."

He said that "it would be incomplete for the city’s proposal to deal with air congestion and not traffic congestion on the ground. That’s why this proposal, which we hope will generate much public comment, also addresses the problem on streets in and around O’Hare."

"Unless we make the investments proposed, the problems of delays and congestion will undermine the ability of O’Hare Airport to compete both nationally and around the world. The long term economic viability of O’Hare Airport and the hundreds of thousands of jobs and tens of thousands of businesses in the City and our suburbs that depend on them will be at stake," he added.

Daley also emphasized that although the proposal announced today focuses on new investments in O’Hare Airport, the City was committed to make continued improvements in Midway Airport, as well.

"From the outset, let me make clear that we are committed to make continued improvements in both O’Hare and Midway airports because together these airports truly are the economic engines that power the entire Chicagoland economy."

Daley pointed out that together both O’Hare and Midway airports serve more than 85 million travelers annually and contribute half a million jobs and $37 billion in economic activity to all Chicagoland -- north, west and south.

Daley went on to say that the proposal the city is presenting has been developed around several basic concepts that will continue to frame the city’s approach in the months ahead as it works with other state and local leaders to reach agreement on a specific plan.

"First and most important", Daley said, "let’s start by investing in the existing airport – O’Hare – where growth and improvements are still possible and enhance its already important role as Chicagoland’s economic engine."

He went on to point out that the fastest and most economical way to relieve delays and congestion and increase capacity is to build on what we already have at O’Hare.

He said these investments will solidify Chicagoland’s position as the nation’s transportation center and create tens of thousands of new jobs each year, grow hundreds of new businesses and generate billions in revenues for Chicago and suburban communities.

He said any plan must protect local taxpayers. "As things stand today, new runways at O’Hare will be built with the investment of the airlines, the passenger facility charge and the airport improvement fund, none of which obligate local taxpayers," Daley said.

Daley stressed that ground transportation to and from O’Hare, both in the city and the suburbs must be improved and part of a regional solution.

Additionally he said that "we look forward to working cooperatively with the Federal Aviation Administration and its outstanding air traffic controllers, which together with improved technology can maintain safety and increase efficiency at Chicago’s airports."

Next, he said the negative impact of any airport plan on a local community must be minimal and the least invasive possible. "Any plan must deal fairly with those whose homes or businesses are involved."

Daley reiterated his commitment for Chicago to continue as the sound proofing leader of the nation. "We have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in soundproofing homes and schools in the City and our suburbs which we believe have made a difference in the quality of life of many families. We will continue to make these investments in the future."

Daley said that after making investments in O’Hare and Midway airports, "let’s make sure we maximize the potential of other existing airports in the region which can grow and expand, starting with Gary-Chicago airport in Indiana."

He acknowledged that the plan was ambitious and would be debated heavily.

He asked Governor Ryan and other local, state and federal officials for their support.

"But, I believe we must act at O’Hare to relieve the delays and congestion facing O’Hare," he said.

Daley went on to say that until a new plan is implemented other steps will be taken to ease delay and congestion problems at O’Hare.

By the end of the summer, the City and the Federal Aviation Administration, working through the Delay Task Force intend to release preliminary air traffic recommendations that will enhance O’Hare’s efficiency.