The Commission has a mandate from its members to plan, develop, finance, construct and operate a commercial airport with passenger and cargo facilities near University Park, Illinois.

In order to realize that objective in the shortest period of time, the Commission is committed to implement a public-private partnership. Under terms of a Master Agreement, the Commission will grant a lease to a Master Developer for a term of 40 years. Through this arrangement, the Commission intends to sponsor the development of a commercial airport that is financially attractive for air carriers, passengers and shippers in the region, and provides economic benefits that will accrue to the State of Illinois, taxpayers in the local and member communities, and other businesses that will be attracted to the airport.