The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given the final regulatory approval to construct a new passenger terminal at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD).
The terminal redevelopment plan at the center of #ORD21 received final regulatory approval from @FAANews today — a key milestone that means construction on the satellite concourses and related airfield work can begin when the ground thaws this spring: https://t.co/Azz1429L3h pic.twitter.com/P3mDXfh16L
— O’Hare Intl. Airport (@fly2ohare) November 21, 2022
To commemorate the approval, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg joined local, state, and federal officials at ORD airport on November 21, 2022.
Proud to join FAA and local leaders to celebrate O’Hare International Airport moving forward on a new terminal that will create jobs and improve the air travel experience for passengers. pic.twitter.com/p6PWqm91bq
— Secretary Pete Buttigieg (@SecretaryPete) November 22, 2022
“Chicago’s transportation infrastructure is what makes this city an economic powerhouse of global importance,” Buttigieg said in a statement.
“Now, as we prepare to break ground on O’Hare’s newest terminal, Chicago and this entire region will be positioned to grow and create good-paying jobs through the benefits of first-rate infrastructure, beginning with the construction project itself,” Buttigieg added.
The FAA’s review process began in 2018 and consisted of a technical review of the environmental impact of the Terminal Area Plan (TAP). The review is a common requirement by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for large airport capital projects.
The FAA concluded that proposed construction projects and changes to air traffic procedures will not significantly affect any environmental resources, including noise, air quality, water resources, and historic sites.
Construction is expected to begin in spring 2023.