09.13.12

Durbin, City Announce a $12 Million Investment in O'Hare and Midway Airports

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation, Rosemarie S. Andolino, today announced that the Department of Transportation has awarded a total of $11,966,213 in funding to Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Chicago Midway International Airport.

 

“Today’s runway investment will help the City of Chicago reduce flight delays and improve efficiency for traveling and shipping throughout the country,” said Durbin.  “New signs at O’Hare and a new runway lighting system at Midway will increase safety and visibility on the ground.”

 

“These grant awards will help us make O'Hare and Midway airports safer and more efficient, and allow them to continue to be engines of job creation and economic growth for Chicago and the entire region,” said Mayor Emanuel.  “Senators Durbin and Kirk have been steadfast in their support of our airports and in securing these additional resources, which will have a positive effect on millions of travelers and make a strong and lasting impact on the city.”

 

“On behalf of Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Department of Aviation, I want to thank Senator Durbin for his continued strong support for Chicago’s airports,” said Rosemarie S. Andolino, Commissioner for the Chicago Department of Aviation. “These grant awards will be used to complete projects that will enhance the safety and efficiency of operations at O’Hare and Midway International Airports.”

 

Chicago O’Hare International Airport

 

  • Airfield Guidance Signs: $2,261,250 in funding is awarded to the City of Chicago to install airfield guidance signs at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

 

  • Runway Construction: $7,454,963 in funding is awarded to the City of Chicago to reimburse funds used for the construction of Runway 10C/28C Chicago O’Hare International Airport.  The runway will accommodate new aircraft, such as the Boeing 747-8 and Airbus A-380 and is scheduled to be commissioned in late 2013.

 

Chicago Midway International Airport

 

  • Runway Installation: $2,250,000 in funding is awarded to the City of Chicago to install a new runway lighting system to enhance safe airfield operations during low visibility conditions.