After more than 30 years of effort to get consensus around building a south suburban airport, supporters are urging a conversion of Bult Field into a cargo facility in response to the growing demand for e-commerce. State Representatives Will Davis and Debbie Meyers-Martin are legislative sponsors of House Bill 2531, which directs the State of Illinois to prepare and issue a request for qualifications seeking proposals for a cargo-based South Suburban Airport as a public-private partnership. At least 20 south suburban mayors and numerous representatives of labor, business and faith communities have expressed support for the project.
“This is our effort to encourage this government, this administration, to move forward to secure the appropriate developer to build the South Suburban Airport,” said Davis (30th District).
The south suburban area not only serves as the largest inland port in North America, but it is also a busy hub for interstate highways, canals, warehousing, and new business development. The airport would conceivably add capacity for cargo shipments and drive economic growth in the region. Ten thousand construction jobs could be created in the first three years, with 50,000 other jobs created by small businesses after the airport is up and running, according to a statement released by Bonita Parker, chairperson of the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce.
While there is still some local resistance to the idea, Will County Board Member Dist. (6) and National Association of Counties President Denise Winfrey said that the project presents numerous opportunities. The coming growth and expansion must take into account the needs of residents and families beyond job creation. “Now is the time for people to think about what services and infrastructure to include in the plan–what makes sense for their community.” Developers could be asked to provide valuable infrastructure benefits, like bike paths, public transit centers, or safety upgrades, to the communities impacted by the new construction.
The Will County Board will likely convene an ad hoc committee to review the project and stay in the loop as plans are developed.
Rep. Davis said he introduced the legislation to determine if there are any developers who have the capacity and resources to build the South Suburban Airport. “This is our effort to encourage this government, this administration, to move forward to secure the appropriate developer to build the South Suburban Airport,” said Davis.
The Department of Transportation has up to six months after the amendment passes to begin the prequalification process for developers. The bill still needs to pass the Illinois senate. If passed, the Airport will be located in Will County.