Long-Debated South Suburban Airport a Step Closer to Reality 

Supporters of the long-debated South Suburban Airport notched a legislative victory this week when the General Assembly passed a bill that would require the Illinois Department of Transportation to take steps toward developing the facility. The airport would serve commercial and cargo planes.  The third airport has been the subject of heated debate for decades.

The new legislation is supported by State Senators Napoleon Harris III, Michael Hastings and Patrick Joyce in the Senate.  It passed by a 33-20 vote Wednesday.

As explained, the bill’s language requires the Department of Transportation to enter into public-private agreements and to establish a prequalification process for vendors to participate in the development, financing, construction, management and operation of the new airport.  This process must be offered within the next six months, according to the bill.

HB 2531 passed the House on March 21, and after debate passed the Senate on Wednesday. More land was also purchased around the airport with the idea of further development.

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