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O'Hare Gets $288M From Feds To Upgrade Rental Car Facility, Transit Service

O'Hare Airport Intermodal Facility
Artist's rendering of a future intermodal facility at O'Hare International Airport. The $800 million facility will feature a consolidated rental car facility and parking garage; a new automated transit system station; a transfer station for Metra rail customers; and a bus plaza. (Credit: City of Chicago)

CHICAGO (AP) -- An $800 million project meant to improve rental car service at O'Hare International Airport is getting under way after the city of Chicago finalized a $288 million federal loan.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel's office announced the start of construction Friday. A statement claimed the project would eventually create 100 permanent jobs and 3,000 jobs would be created during construction.

The objective is to centralize the location of rental car companies and also to extend transit service. Proponents say the improvements should cut down on traffic congestion at arrival and departure points.

In a Friday statement, Emanuel calls the facility one of the largest capital improvements ever at O'Hare. He says it'll help O'Hare maintain its status as a major international travel hub.

The project is slated for completion by 2016.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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