We are concerned about the effects of the proposed Lake Calumet and Gary sites on the major rail routes coming into Chicago from the east. These sites would require rerouting or even elimination of some of these rail lines, which could reduce or end Chicago`s role as a major rail and surface transportation hub. This could cost rail workers and others quite a few jobs.
We believe that the Third Airport Alliance has not given serious consideration to realistic transportation alternatives to a new airport. One such alternative, high-speed rail, would enhance Chicago`s role as a major rail hub, draw longer-distance air passengers to O`Hare, and create service and support jobs. But it would not disrupt the Calumet area`s interrelated industries, communities, lives and environments as an airport would.
We and the people of the Chicago region deserve to know the whole picture and have a right to have our interests represented when these important decisions are being made, even if this takes more time. We want to see the plan enacted that is in the best long-term economic and ecological interest of the Chicago region.
