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Jackson, Allies Renew Push For Peotone Airport

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Rev. Jesse Jackson joined South suburban Mayors and others at the Thompson Center in the latest push for action on creating a third regional airport near Peotone.

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University Park Mayor Alvin McCowan said the large group wasn't trying to embarrass Gov. Pat Quinn, who has previously voiced support for a Peotone airport, but has done little to move the project forward.

The group of politicians at Friday's press conference – most of them south suburbanites – said they went to the Thompson Center simply to make the case for a third airport.

Jackson said expansion of O'Hare International Airport has led to development in the northwestern suburbs and the southern suburbs need development too.

"One side of town has more revenue, more jobs, more resources, better schools and better services. The other side of town has diminishing services and higher taxes," Jackson said. "There is a plan … if we build the Abraham Lincoln National Airport, we'll have more balance, economic growth; it will affect jobs."

The state has purchased land for the airport and Jackson said private financing has been lined up.

Opponents argue a third airport is not needed and would hurt the largely rural area around Peotone.

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