Jackson's Airport Group Seeks

Meeting with Governor, IDOT

To Discuss Details for Airport Financing, Construction

Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. and leaders of the South Suburban Airport Commission (SSAC) today requested a meeting with Governor Rod Blagojevich to discuss details on the financing and building of the Third Airport through an innovative public-private partnership.

"Our proposal is done. Everyone is excited -- our developers, our community leaders, our business leaders," Jackson said.

"We plan to share details of our proposal with the Governor and IDOT after the General Assembly adjourns. At that time, we hope to begin serious, good-faith negotiations that will lead to a master development contract between the State, the developers and the Commission.

"In short, all the pieces of the puzzle will soon be on the table. It's our goal to work with the State and the developers to put all the pieces together," Jackson said.

"Issues such as utility connections, infrastructure needs, and the transfer of land will require cooperation and negotiated agreements between many parties. Our developers will outline the various cost-sharing and revenue-sharing concepts and commitments that they are prepared to make in order to advance the project and guarantee its success," the Congressman added.

Jackson noted that the Commission plans to reimburse the State $75 million for some 4,400 acres the State is buying for the inaugural phase of the airport, to be built near University Park.

"We are not looking for the sweetheart deal that the City of Chicago received when it paid $1 for the 7,000-acre O'Hare Airport site after that land was deemed to be surplus federal property in 1949. We plan to pay the State in full for the land. We want this to be a win-win for the State and the Southland," he said.

Jackson reiterated that SSAC membership remains open to Will, Kankakee and South Cook communities.