Chicago's Aviation Future: A Third Airport?

Chicago is already home to two major airports: Midway and O'Hare. However, there has been a decades-long debate about building a third airport in Chicago's far southern suburbs. The proposed airport, located in Peotone, Illinois, would be approximately 40 miles (64 km) south of Chicago and would serve the south suburbs of the Chicago metropolitan area. Proponents of the project argue that it is necessary to accommodate the growing aviation market in Chicago and would bring significant economic benefits to the region. On the other hand, critics argue that the project is unnecessary and may have negative environmental impacts. The possibility of a third airport in Chicago remains uncertain, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate.

The economic benefits of a third airport

The proposal for a third airport in Chicago has been a topic of discussion since the 1960s, with various sites being considered over the years. Despite the controversy and delays surrounding the project, there are several potential economic benefits that have been put forward by proponents of the plan.

Firstly, it is argued that a third airport would bring increased economic development to the south suburbs of Chicago. This includes the potential for new businesses, jobs, and infrastructure improvements in the area. The construction and operation of an airport would likely attract new investment and create a range of direct and indirect job opportunities.

Secondly, the additional airport could help to alleviate the heavy air traffic currently handled by O'Hare and Midway airports. O'Hare, in particular, is one of the busiest airports in the world and faces challenges with overcrowding and limited capacity for expansion. A third airport could reduce congestion and delays, improving the efficiency of air travel in and out of Chicago.

Thirdly, the proposed airport could enhance Chicago's position as a global transportation hub, particularly with the rise of e-commerce and cargo operations. With Amazon's growing presence in the region, including new warehouses and a fleet of cargo planes, a dedicated cargo airfield could support the efficient distribution of goods and strengthen Chicago's logistics network.

Furthermore, the development of a third airport could drive additional economic growth and competitiveness for the city and the state. It would reinforce Illinois' position as a linchpin in the national transportation network, attracting more airlines, businesses, and travellers.

Finally, the construction and operation of a new airport would likely have positive flow-on effects for other industries, such as hospitality, tourism, and retail. The increased accessibility and connectivity provided by an additional airport could stimulate economic activity across various sectors and contribute to the overall economic development of the region.

While there are potential economic benefits, it is important to carefully consider the costs, environmental impacts, and other factors to determine if the advantages of a third airport outweigh the disadvantages.

The environmental impact of a third airport

The proposed airport site in Peotone, Illinois, approximately 40 miles south of Chicago, has been the subject of controversy since its initiation over 50 years ago. The environmental concerns related to this site are not new. In 1967, Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley proposed building an airport in Lake Michigan, east of the Chicago shoreline. This plan was met with strong public opposition due to potential adverse impacts on the natural environment, including concerns about aquatic life and the risk of dike failure. The plan was ultimately abandoned in 1972.

The current proposal for the Peotone site has also raised environmental concerns. Kevin Brubaker, of the Environmental Law and Policy Center, stated that the construction would destroy 1,200 acres of flood plains and 180 acres of wetlands. This highlights the potential negative impact on the local ecosystem and the possible disruption of natural flood mitigation measures.

Additionally, the construction and operation of a new airport would likely have other environmental implications, such as increased noise pollution, air pollution, and habitat disruption. These impacts could affect the surrounding areas, including nearby communities and wildlife.

It is important to carefully consider and address these environmental concerns through comprehensive planning and stakeholder engagement. As with any major infrastructure project, it is crucial to ensure that the potential benefits outweigh the environmental costs. The decision-makers must consider alternative options, such as expanding existing airports or utilizing airports in nearby states, to balance the region's aviation needs with the preservation of the natural environment.

The need for a third airport

Chicago is home to two major airports: Midway and O'Hare. These airports serve millions of passengers each year and are vital to the city's economy. However, for over five decades, there has been talk of a third airport being built in Chicago's far southern suburbs. The project has been mired in controversy and delays, but supporters argue that it is necessary to accommodate the growing demand for air travel in the region.

The History of the Third Airport Project

The proposal for a third airport in Chicago dates back to the 1960s, with the first official proposal made by Stanley Berge, a professor at Northwestern University, in 1968. Since then, various sites have been considered, including a lake site and locations in Gary, Indiana, and Peotone, Illinois. The Peotone site, also referred to as the Chicago south suburban airport, has been the focus of planning since the late 1990s.

Arguments in Favour of a Third Airport

Proponents of a third airport argue that it is necessary to handle the growing air traffic in the Chicago metropolitan area. They claim that the existing airports, O'Hare and Midway, cannot accommodate the expanding aviation market in Chicago. Additionally, they argue that a third airport would create economic opportunities and jobs for the south suburbs, which have been overlooked in the past.

Political and Practical Challenges

However, the third airport project has faced significant political and practical challenges. There has been opposition from various groups, including environmentalists and farmers, who argue that the construction would destroy flood plains and wetlands. There are also concerns about the cost of the project, with critics arguing that expanding existing airports in nearby cities, such as Rockford, Illinois, or Milwaukee, Wisconsin, would be more financially beneficial.

Recent Developments

In recent years, there have been some developments that suggest the third airport project may finally move forward. In 2023, a state law was passed, requiring the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to review proposals for the airport's development. Additionally, the state has allocated funds for road and utility improvements that could accommodate additional industrial traffic. However, the project still faces obstacles, and not all political leaders are convinced of the need for a third airport.

The history of the third airport project

In the 1980s, discussions about a third airport resurfaced, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordering a needs analysis for a third airport in 1984. Various potential sites were considered, including Peotone, Illinois, and a lake site near Chicago. The debate intensified in the early 1990s, with Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, the son of Richard J. Daley, proposing the Lake Calumet site. This proposal faced opposition from residents, environmentalists, and politicians, and ultimately did not move forward.

In the 2000s, planning for the South Suburban Airport continued, with the state of Illinois acquiring land and conducting environmental assessments. However, the project faced challenges due to funding and political disagreements. In 2019, the proposed third airport was included in the REBUILD Illinois capital bill, allocating funds for road improvements and other developments. As of 2023, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) was reviewing proposals for the airport's development and maintenance.

The political landscape surrounding the third airport debate

One of the main political drivers of the third airport debate is the potential economic impact. Proponents argue that a new airport would bring significant economic benefits to the region, creating jobs and attracting businesses. For example, Senator Aldo DeAngelis of south suburban Olympia Fields has advocated for the project, stating that "economic considerations would override political ones in choosing a location". The South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA), a group of local mayors and managers, also support the project, believing that it will ignite economic development in the south suburbs.

However, opponents of the project argue that the economic benefits are overstated and that there are more effective ways to stimulate economic growth. For example, Carol Henrichs, a Will County resident and founder of the citizens' group Residents United to Retain Agricultural Lands (RURAL), has criticized the decision-making process, arguing that citizens' voices have been excluded. Henrichs and other opponents prefer to focus on small business development and strengthening the local farm economy as more sustainable alternatives to a third airport.

The debate has also been influenced by the involvement of major companies, such as Amazon. Congresswoman Robin Kelly has expressed hope that Amazon would use the proposed third airport as a hub for its cargo operations, given the company's growing presence in the Chicago area. Governor JB Pritzker has also acknowledged the importance of corporate involvement, stating that the project will not succeed without the commitment of deep-pocketed corporations like Amazon.

Additionally, the third airport debate has been shaped by the dynamics between different levels of government. For example, there has been tension between the City of Chicago, which owns the existing O'Hare and Midway airports, and the state government, which has pushed for a state-run airport. Chicago's aviation department officials have opposed any state-run airport that would compete with their regional air terminals. The city has also faced opposition from suburban communities concerned about noise and pollution from airport expansions.

Overall, the political landscape surrounding the third airport debate in Chicago is characterized by competing interests and priorities. While some see the project as a catalyst for economic development, others prioritize environmental preservation, community well-being, and alternative approaches to economic growth. The involvement of major companies and the dynamics between different levels of government further complicate the political landscape, reflecting the complex and ongoing nature of the third airport debate in Chicago.

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