Durbin Statement Regarding FAA Environmental Impact Statement for O'Hare Modernization

DURBIN STATEMENT REGARDING FAA ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR O'HARE MODERNIZATION

Wednesday, January 12, 2005

[WASHINGTON, DC] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today made the following statement regarding the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Draft Environmental Impact Statement for modernization at O'Hare International Airport:

"Earlier today, I spoke with Federal Aviation Administrator Marion Blakey about the modernization of O'Hare International Airport."

"The FAA will shortly be releasing a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and initiating a mandatory public comment and public hearing process."

"This is a positive step forward for O'Hare modernization."

"When the EIS is completed later this year, construction won't be far behind. The FAA had originally targeted September 2005 for a final decision and clearance for construction. Today's announcement is likely to move that timetable forward, allowing the City of Chicago to take advantage of the Summer/Fall 2005 construction season."

"I think it's clear that the FAA understands the significance of this project for building aviation capacity in the Chicago region - which will help alleviate frustrating flight delays, create jobs, further economic development in the Chicagoland region and ensure that O'Hare remains a world-class airport"

"I look forward to working with Mayor Daley and the FAA to move O'Hare modernization into the next phase."

http://durbin.senate.gov/releases.cfm