The Mayor of Chicago wants to turn Meigs into a park, and he actually got as far as closing it in 1996... but then allowed it to reopen under a five-year lease in February 1997. It was revealed last week that there isn't any money in the coffers to turn the airport into a park, but that the plan was to close it anyway and spend a few millions on demolishing the runway and buildings and then leave it derelict for the time being. It appears that the Mayor is now willing to reconsider his plans.

Friends of Meigs Field are currently canvassing support by asking people to participate in a letter writing campaign to the Illinois State Governor.

Please note that Governor Ryan is supportive of Meigs. His recently introduced regional plan for airport capacity included the preservation of Meigs Field. Letters should thank him for his support and encourage him to carry on doing all he can to allow Meigs to continue operating after February 2002 when the current lease expires.

The address for Governor Ryan is:-

Governor George Ryan,
Office of the Governor,
207 Statehouse,
Springfield,
IL 62706
USA

Letters can also be sent by e-mail to:-

governor@state.il.us

or by fax to:-

001-217-524-4049

In addition, if you have connections with Chicago, you are also invited to write letters to the local press to voice your support. More details of where to address these can be found on the Meigs Action Coalition web site.

The campaign organisers are also keen to receive blind copies of any e-mails/letters sent:-

Meigs Action Coalition
P.O. Box 147055
Chicago, IL 60614
FAX: 847-966-6168
letters@meigsaction.net

The Meigs Action Coalition web site offers more detailed information and resources relating to the campaign to preserve the airport, and the current letter writing campaign.