A new 6,000-foot runway at the Waukegan National Airport, replacing the current aging landing strip, took another step toward reality when part of the environmental analysis requirements imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) became less complicated.
As part of its effort to build a new runway while the existing one remains in use, preventing a three-year closure, the Waukegan Port District needs one-quarter acre of the Waukegan Savannah owned by Lake County Forest Preserves District and 18.3 acres of avigation easement.
Before the port district can proceed with a condensed environmental assessment and public hearing, the FAA requires a resolution from the Forest Preserves District declaring the purchase and easement have a de minimis effect on the savannah.
The Forest Preserves District Board of Commissioners voted 14-3 to approve the de minimis resolution Wednesday at its Libertyville headquarters, allowing the port district to proceed completing its required preliminary environmental impact report and public hearing.
Forest Preserves District Executive Director Ty Kovach made it clear the resolution was not an agreement to sell the land or grant an easement. The transaction will take place at a later date and must be approved by two-thirds of the commissioners.
Commissioner Paul Frank, who voted for the resolution, said the negotiation will be like any other the district conducts to buy or sell land. It will not only involve price but the quality of trees planted to replace ones which must be uprooted so planes to take off and land safely.
“We will take all of this into consideration. We are strong advocates for our resources and used to getting successful outcomes and results,” Frank said. “This is a very reasonable approach,” he added, referring to the overall proposal.
Commissioner John Wasik, who voted against the resolution, said labeling the project as de minimis is insufficient considering the environmental issues surrounding the Waukegan area.
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“We need a full environmental review. We have to look at this through an environmental justice lens,” Wasik said. “The air quality in the area is not good, especially around the schools,” he added. McCall Elementary School is adjacent to the airport.
Dozens of members of the public came to the meeting as well creating a standing room only crowd. More people watched on a television screen in an overflow room in the building.
Many of the members of the public expressed their views both for and against the project including the desire to see a more detailed environmental assessment required by the FAA if there were no di minimums resolution.
Kiera Lane, a member of the public who spoke during the time devoted to public comments, said selling public land will reduce the air quality in the area making it unhealthy for nearby residents.
“For residents who already experience higher environmental burdens, the loss of green space is not minimal,” Lane said. “The loss of trees that help filter pollution is not minimal. The precedent of converting protected forest preserve land for airport project is not minimal.”
Brian Palka, a member of the public who wants to see the project go forward, said selling a quarter-acre of land and getting an easement to enable planes to take off and land safely is a reasonable approach.
“This is about safety, not modernization,” Palka said. “The runway is reaching the end of its structural life. This upgrade meets critical FAA standards, protecting our skies and securing a vital lifeline used daily by law enforcement, emergency medical flights and regional businesses.
With the resolution in hand, airport manager Skip Goss said in an email the project can proceed to its next steps which include a condensed environmental assessment and a public hearing, likely by the end for the year.
“Throughout the FAA’s ongoing and evolving review process, we have worked diligently to revise and refine the project to meet updated federal standards.” Goss said in the email. “A formal public hearing will take place later this year as the project continues to move through the FAA process.”
Joining Frank in voting for the resolution were Marah Altenberg, Esiah Campos, Carissa Casbon, Jennier Clark, Michael Danforth, Sandy Hart, Kevin Hiunter, Sara Knizhnik, Angelo Kyle, Paras Parekh, Linda Pederson, Gina Roberts and Jessica Vealitzek.
Voting with Wasik against the resolution were Diane Hewitt and Ann Maine.