"Governor advances O'Hare expansion"

Thursday, August 7, 2003

Governor advances O'Hare expansion
BY FRAN SPIELMAN
The Chicago (IL) Sun-Times


Barriers that have stood in the way of new runways at O'Hare Airport for
decades were removed with the sweep of a pen Wednesday.

Gov. Blagojevich signed legislation paving the way for a $6.6 billion
expansion that will nearly double O'Hare's capacity--from roughly 900,000
flights a year to 1.6 million.

Unless the runway layout is changed dramatically, the legislation strips
Blagojevich and future governors of their veto power over new runways. It
also gives Chicago sweeping powers to condemn suburban land standing in the
way of an expanded O'Hare.

There are still major hurdles to overcome, including federal approval,
acquisition of more than 500 Bensenville homes and financing for all but
$2.9 billion of the final cost. But all of that seemed to be forgotten in
the rosy glow of the bill-signing ceremony.

"Thank God this day has arrived," Mayor Daley gushed.

Noting Chicago's role throughout history as the nation's transportation hub,
Daley said, "Today, we solidify that position--not just for years, but for
the decades ahead."

Andrew J. McKenna, chairman of the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of
Chicago, called it the "most important economic development project
undertaken in Illinois in our lifetime."

Blagojevich added, "When the history of Mayor Daley's administration is
written, this will be one of his biggest legacies."

The politicians and business leaders could be excused for resorting to
hyperbole.

Wednesday's $10,000 Commercial Club-financed ceremony at an airplane hangar
normally reserved for the arrival of presidents ended a bitter legislative
battle.

Blagojevich was the only candidate for governor who was four-square behind
an expanded O'Hare. His victory and a full-court lobbying press by business
and labor leaders with their eyes on the ultimate prize--195,000 new
jobs--sealed a deal that has eluded every Chicago mayor since Richard J.
Daley.

"Our economy today is in the tank. We all know that. If we don't move
legislation like we've moved here to create 195,000 additional jobs, we're
going to be in some tough straits not too long down the road," said Chicago
Federation of Labor President Dennis Gannon.

The future of bankruptcy-plagued United Airlines is "inextricably tied to
this project," said Glenn F. Tilton, the airline's chairman and CEO.

Elk Grove Village President Craig Johnson said the bill signed Wednesday is
unprecedented in its scope. It's the first time in state history that "one
town has had quick-take authority over another town," Johnson said.

"That's a dangerous precedent. What's to stop Chicago from saying six months
from now, 'We need a new stadium for the Cubs. We need 500 acres in
Elmhurst.' They've removed protections for forest preserves, parkland and
cemeteries. You've opened up the genie. Every mayor in the state should be
scared to death," Johnson said.

Still, Johnson dismissed the ceremony as a mere publicity "stunt" that does
nothing to change the fact that the O'Hare project is grounded until the FAA
passes final judgment. That won't happen for at least a year, maybe longer.

City Hall has voluntarily agreed not to acquire property in Bensenville and
Elk Grove Village until the FAA signs off.


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