ACQUIRING LAND FOR SOUTH SUBURBAN AIRPORT PROGRESSES

MATTESON, Ill. — Representatives from the South Suburban Airport Property Office today announced that 57 parcels totaling 748 acres have been purchased for $13.2 million as a part of the State of Illinois’ land acquisition and property management program. The SSA Team also has negotiated agreements on an additional 9 parcels that consist of 400 acres. These purchases and agreements move the State closer to its goal of acquiring 4,200 acres within the airport’s inaugural area.

Additionally, 16 of the homes purchased by the State have been rented, and the SSA Team expects eight more to become available shortly. The rentals are a part of the state’s effort to keep the properties occupied and on the tax rolls. According to Roc Van Guilder, manager of the SSA Property Office, the money received from rent is being deposited into the General Revenue Fund as revenue to the State.

The State also purchased seven farms within the inaugural area, and is leasing these properties back to the farmers who originally leased the property from the previous owner.

Van Guilder states, “We are continuing to negotiate with owners within the inaugural area and are working closely with them to provide compensation packages that include replacement-housing payments, moving costs and closing costs on their new homes. We encourage all property owners to contact the SSA Property Office to discuss their total compensation packages.”

The State currently has allocated $44.5 million for the land acquisition and property management program, with an additional $15 million to be available by July 2003.

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