DOT commits $337 million to upgrade O’Hare

DOT commits $337 million to upgrade O’Hare    The U.S. government will provide $337 million during the next 15 years to help fund expansion at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.
   The money will cover about 10 percent of the cost for new runways, taxiways and a terminal that are part of the first phase of a long-term expansion plan for the nation’s busiest airport.
   The Federal Aviation Administration said it issued a letter of intent to provide the city of Chicago $20 million installments each year plus $37 million over five years from its Airports Improvement Program.
   Government and airline industry officials warn that aviation infrastructure will be overwhelmed by demand in the next 20 years if capacity isn’t increased.
   'O'Hare International is the tie that binds so much of our aviation system together,' said Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta in a statement. 'Investing in an expanded O'Hare is the best way to keep Americans moving with the pace of the American economy.'