Suburbs need voice in O’Hare talks

Last year when United Airlines, American Airlines and the city of Chicago were fighting anew over the modernization project at O’Hare International Airport, we were unequivocal in our support for compromise so new runways could be built.

The airlines had sued, saying Chicago was securing loans without their consent to pay for the second part of the expansion plan — two new runways (two had already been built) and other improvements at a cost of about $3.4 billion.

Eventually, the airlines and city reached a compromise — a third new runway was OK’d for the south end of O’Hare. Any further expansion would need to be negotiated before March 1, 2013.

Any observer of the ongoing battles regarding O’Hare knows that 11 months is not a long time for agreement to be had between the city and the airlines. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel got the ball rolling last week when he encouraged the airlines to join with the city on moving ahead.

“Our goal is to reduce delays at O’Hare by 80 percent and raise the airport’s capacity by 300,000 passengers per year by 2015,” Emanuel said. “To help us accomplish this goal, I call on the airlines to begin planning with us today, so we can add a fourth and final runway.”

We agree with Emanuel that planning needs to start soon and we urge the airlines to do so. Like we said last year and affirm this year, O’Hare is the economic engine that drives suburban and city vitality. We’ve supported the plan that was forged 10 years ago and still do today.

Unfortunately, Emanuel makes no reference to including suburban voices in this planning. We are disappointed that he has all but ignored the suburbs as he moves forward.

As transportation writer Marni Pyke reported last week, suburban officials still are pushing for a new western terminal to help spur economic development on the western side of O’Hare. The terminal was a key component of the original deal which led to suburban support of the modernization project.

“If you’re really looking at true job creation and potential for growth, the terminal would bring more opportunities,” said Bensenville Mayor Frank Soto.

But the major airlines are opposed because the terminal — estimated to cost about $2 billion — would likely be used by smaller, rival airlines. And western access to O’Hare also is nowhere on the horizon as plans now are to have a western bypass.

This is why Emanuel needs to have suburban voices at the table. The suburbs need to be heard on any future issues surrounding the airport and to remind the city and airlines what was agreed to years ago.

To forge ahead without that would be a mistake on Emanuel’s part.