The Illinois House has passed a measure that will allow for the construction and operation of a third Chicago-area airport.
The legislation approved Thursday -- SB20 -- allows the Illinois Department of Transportation to enter into a public-private partnership to develop the South Suburban Airport in Peotone.
Gov. Pat Quinn calls the House vote a breakthrough. He says after years of pushing, the state is moving forward with developing a "huge economic engine" that will create jobs.
The measure also authorizes financing for a new 10,000-seat basketball arena for DePaul University near Chicago's McCormick Place. The facility also would be used as a hall for conventions and trade shows.
The bill now moves to the Senate.
