Christine Cochrane of Monee Township is project manager for the proposed south suburban airport, an Illinois Department of Transportation job that she assumed Dec. 1.
Q. Is your main goal to finally convince the legislature, community, airlines and others that we should have an airport in the south suburbs?
A. Yes, but it’s far more complicated than that. We have several main thrusts that are going on this coming year. The first is the environmental assessment that is being completed this month that will go to Washington as the application to the (Federal Aviation Administration) for the requisite decision to build the airport. While that is going on, we will be marketing to the airlines. We have strong indication that there are several airlines that are quite interested in talking to us. Preliminary talks have occurred.
At the same time, we are proceeding with the privatization of the airport effort. We have strong indications that there are investors out there who want to invest in the south suburban airport. During this time we also may be involved in preparing some legislation in Springfield.
Q. How long have you been involved in the third airport project?
A. Probably about seven or eight years as an advocate. Also, as the former supervisor of Monee Township I was dealing with the planning for the airport.
Q. Who initiated the idea of a third airport?
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A. Like any good idea, it comes from several different sources. There were people back in the ’50s and ’60s who had the kernel of the idea for the airport. More recently, there was a group of people who went to Washington on their annual lobbying trip and met with FAA officials and U.S. Department of Transportation officials. I was part of that group. What the FAA told us was, “We need another airport in the Chicago region somewhere. If you folks want this, you go home and help us get ready for it.”
Q. You’re a pilot. Did you take flying lessons as a result of your work on this proposed airport?
A. No, I got my pilot’s license in 1984. I’ve always had a love of aviation and airfields. When I was a child, going to watch the planes take off in Madison, Wis., was a good Sunday afternoon.
Q. Will the airport accept general aviation?
A. Yes.
Q. So you could be the first one on the runway?
A. Well, I think the governor might want to be the first one on the runway.