$56M O’Hare project sails through committee after contractor elevates Black-owned construction firm 

Aldermen pushed forward a $56 million proposal on Monday to boost O’Hare Airport’s cargo freight capacity, signaling a fresh vote of confidence in the city’s chosen contractor months after council members blasted the firm over its record on hiring workers of color. 

Members of the City Council Committee on Aviation voted unanimously to approve a 35-year lease agreement (O2020-3997) with Aeroterm so it can build and operate the final phase of its Northeast Cargo Campus expansion on the airport grounds. Separately on Monday, aldermen on the council’s Committee on Finance voted unanimously to authorize the city to issue bonds (O2020-3996) to cover the cost of the project.