News Archive
Rep. Lipinski offers bill to ensure future of Meigs Field
Representative William Lipinski (D-Ill.) introduced the National Aviation Capacity Expansion Act (H.R.3479) today, which is companion legislation to Senator Durbin's bill (S.1786). Both the House and Senate bills are identical in content, legislating the historic agreement reached by Illinois Governor George Ryan and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley that would continue the operation of Meigs Field for another 25 years, expand O'Hare International, and create a new airport at Peotone. AOPA Legislative Affairs will continue to work with Sen. Durbin and Rep. Lipinski and their staff for passage of this legislation. AOPA has pledged its support to both Sen. Durbin and Rep. Lipinski.
In a letter sent to the entire Senate on Tuesday, AOPA President Phil Boyer wrote, "We believe that it is necessary to codify [the governor's and mayor's] agreement so that Chicago's airports, which are vital to the nation's economic health, are assured of continued operation and health." Boyer urged the senator to support the legislation, stating, "AOPA members throughout the United States see this airport as an 'icon' and its closure would be seen as a harbinger for closure of these pilots' home airports. With approximately 50,000 operations per year, Meigs serves as an important 'reliever' airport for business and general aviation aircraft to congested Midway and O'Hare airports." Boyer will send a similar letter to the House of Representatives once the House legislation is introduced.
The decision to codify the governor's and mayor's agreement stems from the desire to prevent Chicago-area airports from becoming a constant political football between state and local officials. AOPA President Phil Boyer spoke at a press conference held by Senator Durbin last Friday to give support to codifying the governor's and mayor's agreement in federal legislation.
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December 13, 2001
