620 ILCS 75/2-15

(620 ILCS 75/2-15)

Sec. 2-15. General airport powers.

(a) The Department has the power to plan, develop, secure permits, licenses, and approvals for, acquire, develop, construct, equip, own, and operate the South Suburban Airport. The Department also has the power to own, operate, acquire facilities for, construct, improve, repair, maintain, renovate, and expand the South Suburban Airport, including any facilities located on the site of the South Suburban Airport for use by any individual or entity other than the Department. The development of the South Suburban Airport shall also include all land, highways, waterways, mass transit facilities, and other infrastructure that, in the determination of the Department, are necessary or appropriate in connection with the development or operation of the South Suburban Airport. The development of the South Suburban Airport also includes acquisition and development of any land or facilities for (i) relocation of persons, including providing replacement housing or facilities for persons and entities displaced by that development, (ii) protecting or reclaiming the environment with respect to the South Suburban Airport, (iii) providing substitute or replacement property or facilities, including, without limitation, for areas of recreation, conservation, open space, and wetlands, (iv) providing navigational aids, or (v) utilities to serve the airport, whether or not located on the site of the South Suburban Airport.

(b) The Department shall have the authority to undertake and complete all ongoing projects related to the South Suburban Airport, including the South Suburban Airport Master Plan, and assisting the Federal Aviation Administration in preparing and approving the Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision.

(c) The Department has the power to enter into all contracts useful for carrying out its purposes and powers, including, without limitation, public-private agreements pursuant to the provisions of this Act, leases of any of its property or facilities, use agreements with airlines or other airport users relating to the South Suburban Airport, agreements with South Suburban Airport concessionaires, and franchise agreements for use of or access to South Suburban Airport facilities.

(d) The Department has the power to apply to the proper authorities of the United States, the State of Illinois, and other governmental entities, as permitted or authorized by applicable law, to obtain any licenses, approvals, or permits reasonably necessary to achieve the purposes of this Act. All applications to the Federal Aviation Administration, or any successor agency, shall be made by the Department.

(e) The Department may take all steps consistent with applicable laws to maximize funding for the costs of the South Suburban Airport from grants by the Federal Aviation Administration or any successor agency, or any other federal governmental agency.

(f) The Department has the power to apply to the proper authorities of the United States pursuant to appropriate law for permission to establish, operate, maintain, and lease foreign trade zones and sub-zones within the areas of the South Suburban Airport and to establish, operate, maintain, and lease foreign trade zones and sub-zones.

(g) The Department may publicize, advertise, and promote the activities of the South Suburban Airport, including to make known the advantages, facilities, resources, products, attractions, and attributes of the South Suburban Airport.

(h) The Department may, at any time, acquire any land, any interests in land, other property, and interests in property needed for the South Suburban Airport or necessary to carry out the Department's powers and functions under this Act, including by exercise of the power of eminent domain pursuant to Section 2-100 of this Act. The Department shall also have the power to dispose of any such lands, interests, and property upon terms it deems appropriate.

(i) The Department may adopt any reasonable rules for the administration of this Act in accordance with the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act.

(Source: P.A. 98-109, eff. 7-25-13; 99-78, eff. 7-20-15.)