The Illinois State Senate voted 33-20 to advance a measure that would develop an airport in Chicago’s south and southwest suburbs. The legislation now goes to Governor JB Pritzker, who has indicated he will not support the project until an airline or development partner commits.
The proposed measure requires the state to establish a process for finding partners in constructing the new airport, as well as domestic and global freight cargo transfer development goals. If signed into law, it would advertise for proposals from potential developers; this could answer questions of whether there are suitors interested in building it according to state Sen. Napoleon Harris. The state has already spent $100 million on purchasing approximately 5,000 acres near Monee for this purpose.
