09.14.15

Durbin, Emanuel, Quigley Announce $6.6 Million Federal Investment in O'Hare and Midway Airports

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (D-IL) announced today that the Department of Transportation has awarded a total of $6,625,292 in funding to Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Chicago Midway International Airport.

  

“Airports and reliable air service are crucial to the economic success of our state,” said Durbin.  “If we are going to be a great leader in the world economy, we need an infrastructure to support it. This investment in Chicago’s Midway and O’Hare Airports will allow both airports to continue transporting passengers safely and efficiently.”

  

“This grant will help modernize both of Chicago’s airports,” said Emanuel. “The Federal funding secured by Senator Durbin and the Illinois delegation is proof positive that both parties in Washington understand how vital Chicago is to the aviation system and to passengers throughout the world. Not only can we improve our aviation technology, but we can do so in a way that’s more effective while better for the environment. I want to thank Senator Durbin, and Members of Congress for their work on this issue.”

  

“Midway and O’Hare Airports are major economic engines of our city, and as Illinois’ only member on the House Appropriations Committee, I am committed to driving back federal dollars to help them grow and prosper,” Quigley said. “The Voluntary Airport Low Emissions (VALE) infrastructure program will allow O’Hare to invest much needed federal dollars to help reduce ground emissions, and Midway will finally be able to rehabilitate one of their runways, increasing productivity. I look forward to continuing to work with Senator Durbin and Mayor Emanuel to advocate for the betterment of our constituents.”

  

Under today’s announcement, the following airports received funding:

  

  • Chicago O’Hare International Airport: received $2,000,000 in funding to upgrade infrastructure through the Voluntary Airport Low Emissions (VALE) infrastructure program. The VALE program was established in 2004 to reduce sources of airport ground emissions and improve air quality.

  

  • Chicago Midway International Airport: received $4,625,292 in funding to rehabilitate one of the airport’s runways and install runway markings.