New Chicago Area Airport Discussions Continuing

The South Suburban Airport (SSA) has been under consideration for decades and has been actively studied since the 1990s.

Due to recent legislation directing the Illinois Department of Transportation to develop a prequalification process for vendors to participate in its planning, the vision for the airport has shifted to a dedicated all-cargo facility and no longer as a passenger transportation center.

A recent study released by the Illinois Economic Policy Institute (ILEPI), a nonpartisan nonprofit research organization, found that during the multi-year construction period, 8,000 jobs would be created and stimulate regional economic activity by more than $1.3 billion.

Upon completion, ongoing operations of SSA as a cargo-only airport would produce about 80 full-time jobs annually, increase annual economic activity in the region by $24 million, and add $2 million in state and local tax revenue each year.

Mary Tyler, ILEPI Transportation Director and author of the study, said, “Will County is already one of the largest transportation hubs in the United States.  And data reveals that the construction of the long-debated South Suburban Airport will deliver economic growth in the region, create jobs, and support the growing e-commerce industry,” said. 

Tyler added, “Our analysis indicates positive economic benefits from developing the SSA and a growing e-commerce and air cargo market in the Chicago region.  While more work is still to be done, the recent legislative actions show that the Illinois General Assembly is looking to leverage both public and private expertise to develop the new vision of the airport.”

FMI:  illinoisupdate.com/