Chicago mayor, airlines discuss airport expansion

CHICAGO (AP) - Chicago Mayor Richard Daley is giving no hint he's close to a deal with airlines on securing funding for the rest of a $15 billion expansion of O'Hare International Airport.

In a statement released Wednesday after he met airline executives in Washington, Daley called the conversation "candid" but didn't discuss any progress.

United and American are the largest airlines operating out of O'Hare. They've balked at having to foot most of the bill for expansion. They've even sued over the issue.

O'Hare expansion is a legacy project for Daley. He has accused airline executives of being short-sighted and avoiding him.

As his time in office winds down, Daley says ensuring the project's long-term viability is a priority and that he'll pull out the stops to make it happen.