Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has announced some $248 million in planned improvements for Midway Airport. The plan calls for additional concession and terminal parking space as well as more space for security checkpoints, the later of which is meant to  "address concerns that have been raised by business travelers and tourists for years and strengthening a driver of Chicago's economy," according to a press release from the mayor's office.

"Midway is more than an airport. It is an important economic engine for the City of Chicago so with this modernization we are making an essential investment in the future of Midway but also the future of Chicago," Emanuel said in the release. "These enhancements will create jobs for Chicago's residents, provide an improved experience for travelers from the garage to the gate, and ensure that our world class city has two world class airports."

According to the mayor's office, the planned changes at the airport will produce the following:

• The creation of 1,700 construction and concession jobs.
• A fifty percent increase in concession space
• Concessions revenue projected to double by 2019, increasing revenue for the City

"Our proposal will make Midway Airport more efficient and more customer friendly for years to come," Aviation Commissioner Ginger S. Evans said. "In order for our airports, and our city, to thrive we need to remain competitive - and that's what this plan will achieve."

The city council is scheduled to vote on proposals for the projecct in the second quarter of 2016.