Illinois Congresswoman Cheri Bustos is weighing in on a controversial expansion project at the Rockford Airport.
The latest planned expansion at the Chicago Rockford International Airport is coming under fire from environmentalists across the state. The Bell Bowl Prairie represents just under a quarter of the remaining high-quality gravel prairie left in Illinois, and the airport is scheduled to build a road over the land.
Critics of the plan argue that it threatens fragile species like the rusty patched bumble bee. The discovery of the bee temporarily halted the project but only until next month to coincide with the end of its foraging season.
In a written statement to WNIJ, 17th District Congresswoman Cheri Bustos calls the airport "a critical part of Rockford's economic success and future development." She adds, “as development continues, we must protect the surrounding environment.”
She's glad steps were taken to protect endangered species that could be in the area and says she supports efforts to move forward in a responsible manner.
Over the years, Bustos has shepherded millions of federal dollars into its expansion. Meanwhile, efforts continue to keep the latest project at bay.
