http://travel.usatoday.com/flights/p...-deal/147616/1
Compromise allows Chicago O'Hare expansion to proceed \
By Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
A deal has been reached that gives Chicago the green light for additional expansion at O'Hare International Airport, The Associated Press reports.
That deal comes as city and federal officials reached a deal today with American and United, airlines that combine for more than 80% of O'Hare's traffic.
The Chicago Tribune calls the effort a "breakthrough agreement" that Mayor Richard Daley "desperately sought to keep alive the expansion of O'Hare International Airport."
Bloomberg News says "the agreement will allow work to begin on a new runway and other airfield improvements, preventing an escalation of flight delays at O'Hare, according to a statement today by Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, the airlines and the U.S. Transportation Department.
It is the largest airfield modernization program in the U.S., federal officials said."
The deal ends an impasse that boiled over in January,...
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The deal with the airlines allows the city to push ahead on $1.17 billion in related projects, while deferring the terms and timing of the remaining $2.23 billion in projects that had been part of this phase of expansion. The deal stipulates that the parties must negotiate details of the deferred portion no later than March 2013.
The Wall Street Journal provides specifics, writing:
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The first phase of the O'Hare expansion, parts of which remain under construction, includes two new runways, a runway extension and a new air-traffic-control tower. The second phase, which will get started with funding agreed Monday, will allow the city to begin work on an additional south runway as well as other airfield improvements.
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"eight modern runways" once the latest phase is complete, the Journal adds.
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The Tribune writes that when "asked what altered the airlines' hardline position that more O'Hare runways would not be needed for many years," Jeff Smisek nodded toward DOT Secretary Ray LaHood.
He "helped change my mind," Smisek said, according to the Tribune.
Tipping his hat to O'Hare's role within the national aviation system, LaHood says in a statement that "making improvements to O'Hare will not only reduce flight delays and improve service for air passengers across America,
it will ensure one of our busiest airports continues to thrive economically in the future."