advertisement

New customs facility coming to Chicago Executive Airport in Wheeling

Officials with the Chicago Executive Airport in Wheeling and from the suburbs that own it gathered Thursday to ceremoniously break ground on a new U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility.

The new facility will be built on the site of a former hangar at the south end of the airfield off Palatine Road.

The hangar was demolished earlier this year.

Customs officials will use the facility to clear international aircraft and passengers. It will include secure processing and detention areas, bathrooms for passengers, a staff locker room and other amenities.

The 3,400-square-foot facility is expected to cost $3 million. The federal government ordered the project but isn't paying for it.

Chicago Executive is co-owned by Wheeling and Prospect Heights. The Wheeling village board and the Prospect Heights city council oversee the airport's spending.

Village of Wheeling President Pat Horcher, Prospect Heights Mayor Nicholas J. Helmer and airport board Chairman Court Harris were among the attendees at Thursday's event.

The customs agency clears hundreds of flights and thousands of passengers per year at the airport, airport officials said in a news release. The agency has been operating in rented office space at the airport.

Construction of the new facility is expected to be completed in spring 2021.

Pilots, Chicago Executive Airport in dispute over possible runway closure

Chicago Executive Airport inks long-term lease with hangar operator, new jet service to start this week

Prospect Heights approves plan for Chicago Executive Airport that would eliminate a runway

The Latest: Brazil President mulling 3rd coronavirus test

  Prospect Heights Mayor Nicholas J. Helmer speaks Thursday at the groundbreaking ceremony for a new U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility at Chicago Executive Airport in Wheeling. Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
  Chicago Executive Airport board Chairman Court Harris tosses a shovelful of dirt at the groundbreaking ceremony for a new U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility at Chicago Executive Airport in Wheeling. Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.