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Quigley, Duckworth, Schakowsky Statement on CDA Completion Plans for OMP

February 1, 2016

CHICAGO — Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (IL-05), Tammy Duckworth (IL-08), and Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), members of the Quiet Skies Caucus, released the following statement in response to the announcement by Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) and the City of Chicago to complete the O’Hare Modernization Program:

“Today’s announcement by CDA and Mayor Emanuel includes some much needed improvements to O’Hare airport, but ignores the noise challenges our constituents in the neighborhoods adjacent to O’Hare have been experiencing. We are encouraged by this plan’s potential to produce critical ground improvements that will increase operational efficiencies at one of the world’s busiest airports. The construction of a new taxiway to help speed ground traffic and a new de-icing pad are enhancements we have long supported. However, we believe that prioritizing the construction of yet another east-west runway without first addressing the significant increases in noise that our constituents have endured since the implementation of the O’Hare Modernization Program comes at the expense of our constituents’ health and property values.

“The promise that relief from O’Hare noise will only come after OMP’s completion ignores the reality that our constituents are currently facing. The CDA needs to implement near-term solutions that will mitigate noise impacts now and commit to a long-term plan to fairly distribute air traffic during day and night time hours upon OMP’s completion. More can and must be done to help reduce noise in our communities and ensure O’Hare remains a world-class airport. We look forward to a continued dialogue with CDA and Mayor Emanuel where we will continue to stress that sensible noise mitigation strategies are not incompatible with a vibrant O’Hare.”

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