--   Kankakee Legislator's bill could bring thousands of jobs to Kankakee area  --

State Representative Kate Cloonen joined various elected officials at Governors State University (Thursday) for the signing of Senate Bill 20 which allows the state to move forward in the development of the South Suburban Airport with private companies.

Cloonen said the step forward is the result of a lot of cooperation.

Senate Bill 20, co-sponsored by Cloonen, passed both chambers of the state legislature at the end of May with overwhelming bipartisan support.

The law allows the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to enter into public-private agreements to develop, finance, construct, manage, operate and maintain the airport in Will County. According to IDOT's Division of Aeronautics, the airport is estimated to generate 3,000 jobs directly and indirectly during its first year of operation. The airport has the potential to bring 15,000 jobs by its 15th year of operation.

94.1 FM, WGFA