As the controversial plan to extend Waukegan National Airport's runway continues to ruffle feathers in Lake County, residents are stuck in a holding pattern of uncertainty. Initially brought to the table early last year, the proposal includes the acquisition of forest preserve land, causing a community uproar over environmental concerns. According to the Chicago Tribune, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has yet to schedule a crucial public hearing, leaving the airport's future up in the air.
The project, which seeks to lay down a 7,000-foot-long runway for the benefit of corporate fliers, has been met with resistance from community members concerned about the green space and the health implications of increased air traffic. Eileen Shanley-Roberts, a co-founder of Clean Power Lake County, emphasized in a statement, "It will increase air traffic in high-stress environmental justice communities." While the local FAA spokesperson has remained tight-lipped about the timeline for the draft environmental assessment, the airport officials are eager to swiftly move forward, needing to ensure the airport's economic viability continues to soar.
The Lake County Forest Preserve District, which would have to part with 52 acres of its land for the project, approved a non-binding memorandum of agreement with the Port District earlier this year. Nonetheless, activists and some local officials are ringing the alarm bells. As reported by WTTW News, Lake County Commissioner John Wasik, one of three votes against the memo, underlined the potential health risks, stating, "Waukegan is an environmental justice area where asthma rates are already 'off the charts.' We should be planting more trees, restoring more wetlands."
The back and forth over this contentious issue has stretched out expectations and patience thin, as the project hovers with no clear landing in sight. Airport General Manager Skip Goss voiced his anticipation for the public hearing to the Chicago Tribune, but admitted, "All we can do is be patient." Meanwhile, the residents anxiously await the FAA's decision and the subsequent possibility of finally voicing their concerns regarding an endeavor that seems to be gaining altitude without their boarding pass.
