The Civic Committee of The Commercial
Club of Chicago today applauded the Federal Aviation Administration’s
affirmative decision approving the expansion and modernization of O’Hare
International Airport.Lester Crown, Chairman of The Commercial Club of Chicago and past chair of
the Civic Committee’s Aviation Task Force stated:  “With the FAA’s affirmative
decision, we move a step closer to assuring Chicago’s continuing position as
the leading transportation hub of our nation and the world.”
  The FAA’s approval will allow the City of Chicago to proceed with the
construction of the O’Hare Modernization Plan, which is expected to lead
ultimately to an estimated 195,000 new jobs in the region, adding an estimated
$16 billion annually to our regional economy.
  “Dozens of Civic Committee members and business leaders have devoted their
time and energy to this goal for decades because they recognize the importance
of O’Hare to both Chicago and the entire state of Illinois—to our economy,
our companies and to the people who live and work here,” said Eden Martin,
President of the Civic Committee of The Commercial Club.
  The Civic Committee extends its appreciation to Secretary of
Transportation Norman Mineta and FAA Administrator Marion Blakely for their
recognition of the critical role O’Hare plays in the national aviation system
and their careful analysis of the O’Hare plan, said John Rowe, Chairman of the
Civic Committee and Chairman, President and CEO of Exelon Corporation.  “This
is only the beginning.  There is much work to be done to make the plan a
reality.”
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