INDIANAPOLIS – A study done by Conexus Indiana and the Aviation Association of Indiana shows that airports in Lake and Porter counties contributed more than $144 million to the area economy.

The study said that statewide, 69 airports employ more than 69,000 people and have a payroll of more than $4 billion

In Lake and Porter counties, Gary is the largest with a $72.5 million impact with 420 jobs and a payroll of $22.8 million. The Griffith/Merrillville Airport has an economic impact of $54 million with 220 jobs and a payroll of $10.6 million.

The Porter County airport has an economic impact of $17.2 million.