Chicago Seeks Airport Privatization Extension

WASHINGTON - Chicago asked the Federal Aviation Administration to extend until July 31 the deadline on its application to privatize Midway International Airport.

The city requested the extension so that the new mayor and city council can decide whether to continue pursuing the airport’s privatization, according to FAA spokeswoman Marcia Alexander-Adams Tuesday. The FAA expects to respond to the city’s request next week, she said.

The city was scheduled to submit a revised timetable for the project to the FAA by Tuesday as part of the FAA’s pilot program for airport privatization.

Mayor Richard Daley was poised last year to lease the airport for an up-front $2.52 billion payment to a private consortium under the federal pilot program for privatization of up to five airports. The deal fell through when the group could not raise financing.

Daley had said he wanted to resurrect the deal when market conditions improve. That option will now be up to the new administration, as Daley will leave office next year.

Chicago has requested several extensions to preserve its slot in the privatization program since the deal fell through.

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Transportation industry
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