By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The Northwestern Illinois Building Trades Unions released a statement today in support of a Rockford airport expansion that promises to bolster cargo operations and create hundreds of new jobs.
The expansion, however, is under scrutiny because it would destroy a rare native prairie that conservationists are fighting to save.
“Overall, this expansion will have a positive impact on our environment, and using people’s jobs as bargaining chips must stop,” Alan Golden, president of the Trades Union, said in a news release. “We wish this project to move forward in spring of 2022 without further delay.”
Related: Rockford airport responds to federal lawsuit, limits access to prairie
The Chicago Rockford International Airport’s $50 million cargo expansion has been delayed until March 1 to allow for further environmental study after an endangered rusty patched bumble bee was discovered at Bell Bowl Prairie.
Meanwhile, the Natural Land Institute is going forward with a federal lawsuit meant to protect the prairie from destruction under the expansion. The institute and members of the Save Bell Bowl Prairie group want the airport to redesign its expansion in a way that spares the prairie, but airport officials have said that’s not feasible.
“We are appreciative of the unions’ support of our efforts to further develop airport-owned property and continue to bring short- and long-term jobs to our region,” said Zack Oakley, deputy director of operations and planning at RFD. “We remain committed to being one of the largest economic engines for the Rock River Valley and northern Illinois to continue to ensure Rockford prospers.”
Related: Airport says roadway can’t be redesigned to avoid Bell Bowl Prairie
The Northwestern Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council represents more than 15,000 workers in an eight-county area of northern Illinois.
Read the full statement from Northwestern Illinois Building Trades Unions President Alan Golden below:
“As our members prepare for winter and construction season begins to slow, NWIBT is willing to stand up in favor of the $50 million expansion at the Chicago Rockford International Airport. The 15,000 hardworking women and men we represent are supportive of this expansion and the continued growth for our airport and region. Our members show up to work every day, they produce high quality work, and their work at the airport will help sustain a dignified quality of life for their families and the community.”
“We as union members and leaders know well that principled decisions will be fruitful for the many, and the decision to move forward will ultimately result in the Chicago Rockford International Airport’s expansion moving ahead in the spring of 2022.”
“Deferring the need to address our region’s infrastructure will result in missed opportunities and a lower quality of life for thousands of residents. Overall, this expansion will have a positive impact on our environment, and using people’s jobs as bargaining chips must stop. We wish this project to move forward in Spring of 2022 without further delay.”
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas.