October 01, 2017

Duckworth, Durbin Announce Over $19 Million to Improve O’Hare and Midway Airports

 

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced a total of $19,723,914 in U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) grant funding to help improve O'Hare and Midway Airports. Today's funding comes from the Department of Transportation's Airport Improvement Program, which provides grants to public agencies, private owners and entities for the planning and development of public-use airports that are included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS).

"Airport infrastructure investments are vital to the strength of our state's transportation systems and our local economies, which is something I understand as both a pilot and a working mom," said Duckworth. "This funding will help ensure that Chicago airports have the necessary resources to make much-needed improvements and support local job growth. Along with Senator Durbin, I will continue to advocate for funding that results in safer, more reliable airports, as well as increased economic development in Chicago."

"Airports across Chicago and Illinois are bustling transportation hubs, connecting millions of passengers and goods across the country and world. By investing in the future of our airports, we invest in Chicago's future, and this funding helps us do just that," said Durbin. "These grants are crucial to traveler safety and will ensure flyers have a positive experience traveling to and from Chicago."

"Investments in O'Hare and Midway, which collectively move more than 100 million of passengers and millions of tons of cargo around the globe each year, benefit not only our airports, but our local economy as well," said Ginger S. Evans, Commissioner, Chicago Department of Aviation. "I want to thank Senator Duckworth and Senator Durbin for their leadership and commitment to our airports as demonstrated by their work to secure critical funding to support continued, efficient operations for our traveling public."

The City of Chicago will receive funding to support the following airports under this announcement:

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago, IL): $17,473,914

Chicago Midway International Airport (Chicago, IL): $2,250,000