CHICAGO — Illinois will host a forum next month to meet with developers, air carriers and potential tenants as the state seeks to advance plans for a public-private partnership to develop the South Suburban Airport.
The forum is aimed at seeking input to develop a business plan and strategy for getting the airport built. The state hopes to strike lure private investors to finance construction.
The announcement Thursday followed the state's $34 million acquisition of a general aviation private airfield to provide the new airport's initial runway and other facilities. The state has now purchased a total of 3,500 acres for $76 million to house the airport. A total of 5,800 acres are needed for the first phase.
"Bult Field and the upcoming industry forum are further proof that the South Suburban Airport is closer than ever to becoming an economic engine for Illinois," Quinn said in a statement.
The Illinois Department of Transportation recently released a request for information to seek input from firms interested in participating in a P3 to build and operate the airport.
The state hopes to use the information from the RFI and forum to evaluate different methods to build and run the facility, as well as heighten market interest in the project. A previous RFI focused on developing a marketing plan for the airport.
IDOT is working with the Federal Aviation Administration on an airport master plan. All key elements have been submitted and are approved, accepted or under review by the FAA. The federal agency is also conducting a Tier 2 Environmental Impact Statement to assess impacts during and after construction. The state hopes to begin construction as soon as 2016.
No airlines have expressed interest in serving the airport that has been on the drawing board for more than two decades and is opposed by leaders in Chicago which owns O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport.
Acting IDOT Secretary Erica Borggren said the administration is committed to delivering a "vibrant airport as soon as possible."
