Amber Ritter of the Chicago Department of Aviation shows plans for the demolition of a telecommunications building that will be replaced with a new passenger concourse.

A key step in the $8.5 billion O’Hare 21 airport expansion plan was passed through a City Council committee on Wednesday. 

The City Council Committee on Aviation convened virtually to take up an ordinance that would advance one part of the airport redevelopment initiative. The ordinance (O2022-1703), proposed by Mayor Lori Lightfoot, would grant a limited ground lease to AT&T so the company can replace the airport's copper wiring with fiber while gradually moving their office site out of the airport.