Quigley, Duckworth, Schakowsky Statement on CDA Plans to Mitigate O’Hare Noise

CHICAGO – August 3, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), a leader of the Quiet Skies Caucus, along with Reps. Tammy Duckworth (IL-08) and Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) released the following statement in response to the list of steps the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) will be taking to address the noise issue at O’Hare:

“Today’s announcement by the CDA has been a long time coming, as our constituents around O’Hare Airport have been dealing with increased noise issues since the east-west flow was implemented nearly two years ago. We have been calling for many of the noise mitigation techniques that CDA announced today including implementing a new Fly Quiet plan for more even distribution of flight paths, changes to the 311 complaint system, and a plan for increased community engagement by CDA. We commend Commissioner Evans for taking our concerns seriously and for showing a willingness to consider reasonable options to address O’Hare noise issues and moving swiftly to implement real change.

“However, we are not convinced at this time that building new runways, while simultaneously decommissioning the diagonal runways, will help reduce noise in our communities and ensure O’Hare remains a competitive airport. We believe the diagonal runways remain necessary for efficiency, safety and noise abatement. Leaving the diagonal runways open would allow us to maintain the most potential options to configure the airport and help distribute the noise burden.

“We trust that CDA wants what’s best for Chicago and O’Hare, and we look forward to a continued dialogue on this issue. We will stress at every opportunity that sensible noise abatement does not preclude a vibrant O’Hare, and that we owe it to our constituents to explore every reasonable option.”

The complete Chicago Department of Aviation analysis can be found at:http://goo.gl/rtwgKg