The Gary/Chicago International Airport celebrated $6 million in federal funds for air cargo infrastructure during a ceremony April 5.
U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan secured the funding through the Fiscal Year 2023 Community Project Funding program, which funds local projects.
The Gary airport will use the funds to build infrastructure that supports its air cargo service. UPS began operating at the airport in 2020. The airport ranked third in the state for freight movement, only a year after the partnership began.
“As GCIA continues to grow and mature its offerings, the entire region — including the city of Gary — benefits economically,” said city of Gary Mayor Jerome Prince in a press release. “We are grateful to see these critical funds allocated to permit future growth of the airport and look forward to construction beginning later this year.”
The $6 million grant will fund two projects. First, $4 million will be used for a “heavy air cargo logistics apron” that will be used by multiple companies. The rest will be used to build a sanitary sewer line from the expanded logistics center for deicing and other uses.
“Thank you to all the leaders of the Gary/Chicago International Airport and Mayor Prince for their successful utilization of this federal resource to create positive and transformational economic growth,” Mrvan said. “I look forward to continuing to partner with all of you to build on this momentum and further improve the ability of the Gary airport to be the magnet that attracts more private businesses and economic activity to the city of Gary and our Region.”
A timeline has not been set for the start of these projects.
Gov. Eric Holcomb also has been supportive of the airport. In January, he included $9.8 million for a fuel distribution facility at the airport in his proposed budget.
“Having an on-site fuel distribution facility is critical to the long-term competitive advantage of the airport, and we are grateful to Gov. Holcomb for including this important distribution facility in his budget,” said GCIA Executive Director Dan Vicari in a press release. “Eliminating the need to truck jet fuel to GCIA reduces our exposure to market fluctuations, while also providing the airport with enhanced capacity to handle additional operations as we continue to mature our offerings.”
The governor's proposed budget is under consideration during this legislative session, which ends April 29. The House approved a two-year, $43.3 billion plan, but the Senate is still considering it.
