The Gary/Chicago International Airport kicked off $24 million in infrastructure upgrades during a groundbreaking Oct. 8.
The funding comes as the airport's air cargo capacity has quickly expanded since officials signed an agreement with UPS in 2020. It now is the third in freight volume for the state of Indiana.
“This is a pivotal step to securing the future of our increasingly important air cargo offering, with these infrastructure investments made possible by the past several years’ of increasing cargo sector growth,” said Dan Vicari, executive director of the Gary/Chicago International Airport, in a press release.
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.
“We are immensely grateful for the partnership of Congressman Mrvan, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and the state of Indiana for their continued support for our airport and its ability to fuel the local economy,” Vicari said.
The long-term project's $2 million initial phase will address enhancements to the airport's sanitary sewer system. The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers will install it.
“This initiative not only strengthens vital infrastructure but also fosters environmental sustainability and economic growth in the Region,” said Col. Kenneth Rockwell, Chicago district commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “Together with our partners, we are committed to ensuring that the community is equipped with the resources it needs to thrive for years to come.”
Phase one also will include the construction of a cargo logistics apron for eight more air cargo planes. Other projects will include the installation of a Jet-A fuel pipeline and a deicing facility.
Matt Saltanovitz, vice president of domestic business expansion at the Indiana Economic Development Corp., said the expansion is a win for the Region.
“Northwest Indiana has seen explosive growth and investment the past few years, which is leading to greater opportunities for Hoosiers in the surrounding communities,” Saltanovitz said. “Our state’s airports, large and small, international and regional, are vital assets for our state. Companies expanding and relocating to Indiana are continuously citing our top-ranked infrastructure as a deciding factor in choosing Indiana.”
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. It should be operational by summer 2026. The airport also purchased the the Griffith-Merrillville Airport in 2023.
