Chicago mayor, airlines can’t reach airport deal

CHICAGO (AP) — Outgoing Chicago Mayor Richard Daley has finished a meeting with airline executives without reaching a deal to help finance the planned $15 billion expansion of O’Hare International Airport.

After the high-stakes meeting in Washington, Daley released a statement giving no hint an agreement was close on what carriers should contribute for the project.

United and American issued a joint statement saying they were “unable to reach an agreement“ that would enable them to withdraw a lawsuit against the city.

The airlines filed the suit to stop Chicago from issuing bonds to finance the next phase of expansion. It alleges Chicago violated a lease agreement that gives airlines authority to approve expenditures for capital projects.