As you know, on Wednesday Mayor Emanuel told the leaders of FAIR (Fair Allocation in Runways) and the citizens it represents that he would “probably not” support their efforts to preserve the diagonal runways to help control noise and air pollution over north and northwest side neighborhoods heavily impacted by his expansion of O’Hare Airport.

Now Greg Hinz of Crain’s reports that the City, American Airlines, and United Airlines have reached a $1.3 billion deal to build a new east-west runway, a de-icing center, and a cross-field taxiway. Rahm also got the FAA to add another $60 million to the $285 million it previously earmarked for the plan.

No wonder citizen input ain’t worth a damn.