Intl Terminal 5, Chicago O’Hare International Airport (Photo Credit: risingthermals/Flickr).
Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport will receive an additional $20 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Airport Terminal Program, bringing the total amount awarded under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to $110 million over three years. The funds are aimed at improving the airport’s aging infrastructure, with a particular focus on Terminal 5.
“Our city’s largest economic engine not only employs tens of thousands of our residents — it connects more than 70 million travelers to our city and beyond each and every year,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “This additional $20 million in federal grant funding is an important investment in our infrastructure, making air travel safer, more efficient and more enjoyable for all. I extend my deepest gratitude to the Biden-Harris Administration and the Illinois Congressional Delegation for their continued support of Chicago through the
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Together, we are ensuring that O’Hare remains a world-class airport that meets the needs of today’s travelers while positioning us for future growth.”
The new grant will fund several key upgrades to Terminal 5, including a pedestrian bridge linking the terminal to a parking garage, improvements to the passenger check-in area, and a reconfigured security checkpoint. These changes are part of ongoing efforts to enhance the experience for travelers and modernize the airport’s facilities.
Jamie L. Rhee, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation, highlighted the importance of these upgrades for international travel.
“Terminal 5 is Chicago’s gateway to the world, welcoming millions of passengers from all corners of the globe,” said Rhee. “With this funding, we continue to build on the tremendous expansion of Terminal 5 we opened last year by upgrading our arrivals and departures levels to greatly enhance the traveler experience.”
Rhee said she appreciates the continued support of O’Hare from Sen. Dick Durbin, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, the Illinois Congressional delegation, as well as the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Transportation Security Administration.
This latest funding follows $90 million already awarded to O’Hare as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Airport Terminal Program. Previous funds are being used for the $300 million ElevateT3 project, which focuses on upgrading security, improving airport operations, and expanding accessibility for passengers with disabilities.
O’Hare’s latest renovations continue a larger transformation that began with a $1.3 billion investment, including a 2022 renovation of 10 gates used by Delta Air Lines and the opening of a new 10-gate extension in 2023.
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