Carroll Stands with Community Opposing Chicago Executive Airport Expansion

WHEELING, Ill. – State Rep. Jonathan Carroll, D-Northbrook, is opposing the Chicago Executive Airport’s (CEA) master plan that calls for a runway expansion that airport executives falsely claim would benefit residents through new revenue from fuel sales.

“Local residents have yet to benefit from this airport’s offerings when the board consistently makes promises of more money from fuel sales. That money is earmarked as private funds for the airport’s uses, not the general public. The burden of paying for the needed infrastructure will come from the community and not the jet owners,” Carroll said. “I encourage other local leaders to stand up for our community and constituents, not private jet owners and corporate interests.”

The CEA is a three-runway reliever airport that is publicly owned by the Village of Wheeling and the City of Prospect Heights, and its board has been planning a potential runway expansion that would directly impact thousands of residents in the area. However, the airport primarily caters to corporate and private jets that allow executives to avoid traffic around O’Hare Airport. In addition to the financial concerns, Carroll has strong concerns about the environmental impact the expansion will bring.

“We all are well aware of the noise issues that still remain largely unaddressed in this proposal,” Carroll said. “But more jet fuel and plane exhaust will negatively impact its neighbors. This project cares little for the surrounding residents and more for those who don’t even live in our community.”