SPRRINGFIELD – The South Suburban Airport may soon be reality, thanks to the Senate members of the South Suburbs.

“This is a touchdown for communities across the South Suburbs,” said State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey). “This airport will serve as an economic engine for our communities and provide local businesses with access to global markets for generations to come.”

For the last 40 years, lawmakers have attempted to secure a south suburban airport in the Monee community. The measure – spearheaded by Harris – passed on Wednesday, would require the state to establish the process to find partners in the construction of a new south suburban airport.

"We support this project to help create many exciting new opportunities for working families in the South Suburbs for generations to come," said Illinois AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Pat Devaney. "It will jump-start the process leading to the thousands of good-paying union construction jobs to build the airport, and create many long-term career opportunities in the direct airport operations and all of the businesses that will develop around it."

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HARVEY – With the support of State Senator Napoleon Harris, the Village of Flossmoor Fire Department will receive more than $25,000 for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment.

“Firefighters are some of the first to respond to our neighborhood crises and it is imperative that they receive the necessary funding to ensure safety throughout our communities,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “It is vital that we support these dedicated professionals to defend those in need as they work tirelessly to save lives.”

The Small Equipment Grant Program is an innovative approach to a problem that has long caused difficulties for fire departments and not-for-profit ambulance services in Illinois, particularly those that face hardships in generating the necessary revenue for small equipment. The purpose is to allow eligible applicants the opportunity to purchase small equipment that they may otherwise not be able to purchase.

The Village of Flossmoor Fire Department will receive $25,785 in state funding to help purchase new firefighting and ambulance equipment.

Most Illinois fire departments, fire protections districts, township fire departments and stand-alone, not-for-profit ambulance service providers were eligible to apply. All fire departments, fire protections districts and township fire department applicants were required to have participated in the National Fire Incident Reporting System for a minimum of two years prior to applying.

To learn more about grants and loans offered by the Illinois State Fire Marshal, click here.

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