The Gary / Chicago International Airport has been planning a new air traffic control tower since 2022. Now it has secured $10 million in federal funding to replace the existing tower, which was built in 1972.
The grant was awarded through the FAA Contract Tower Program, which helps airports modernize air traffic control services.
“This project ensures we have the facilities needed to support ongoing growth and operational efficiency while enhancing safety, improve service capabilities, and strengthen the Gary/Chicago International Airport’s role as a key economic driver for Northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland region,” said airport Executive Director Dan Vicari in a press release.
Construction on the new tower is scheduled for late summer, with completion by the end of 2027. The project will require 115 construction workers and 23,500 hours to do the work.
The new tower will be about 50 feet taller than the current one, which is 45 feet, to accommodate previous airport upgrades.
Expansion at the airport began in 2015 when the main runway was expanded to almost 9,000 feet. In 2018, the airport opened a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility, which allowed international fliers to use the airport without seeking customs elsewhere. The FAA approved a master plan for the airport in 2022, and gave the green light to a new traffic control tower in September. The FAA's formal siting study approval came in 2024.
U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan secured about $10 million from 2023 and 2024 fiscal years Community Project Funding. About $4 million will come from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through the Federal Aviation Administration. The state of Indiana kicked in $9.8 million from grants.
“Investments like this strengthen the airport’s ability to attract additional transportation, distribution and logistics activity, while creating new opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and private investment throughout our Region,” Mrvan said about the $10 million grant.
The airport also built a new $12 million hangar to house Wingtip Aviation in 2024. It acquired the Griffith-Merrillville Airport in 2023 for $1.8 million. UPS began daily air express service from the aiport in November 2020.
