On March 14, 2011, the parties to a dispute over expansion of Chicago O’Hare International Airport announced a settlement agreement that will permit the construction of a new runway and other capital improvements.  The remainder of the project will be reexamined prior to 2013.  United Airlines and American Airlines sued the City of Chicago in January 2011 over the O’Hare Modernization Program, arguing that the City failed to obtain the airlines’ consent as required under their use and lease agreements.  The settlement was brokered by Secretary LaHood and Illinois Senators Durbin and Kirk and includes the commitment of additional federal funding for the project.