A $1.7 million Federal Aviation Administration grant will enable the latest infrastructure update to Gary/Chicago International Airport.
The airport announced it received the grant to formulate, design and engineer a new airport traffic control tower. The grant was announced as part of the FAA contract tower program. The program is aimed at modernizing airport traffic control towers with modern, proper equipment.
“We are grateful to have received funding for our new airport traffic control tower and are immensely grateful to Congressman Frank Mrvan for his steadfast support to our airport as well as Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and FAA Associate Administrator Shannetta Griffin for administering funding for this important new tower,” said Dan Vicari, airport executive director, in a press release.
Earlier this fall, the FAA formally approved the siting study allowing the placement of the new control tower. The existing tower was constructed in 1972. While still functional, it has become increasingly obsolete and inefficient. Plans to replace the existing control tower began two years ago in conjunction with the FAA.
“Congratulations to the leaders of the Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority for successfully securing this federal funding to replace the airport traffic control tower,”Congressman Frank Mrvan said. “I am proud to collaborate with local stakeholders to improve our airport infrastructure and further attract aviation, corporate, commercial and cargo users to our region.”
The new tower will be about 50’ taller than the existing tower. It will feature advanced radar systems and communication tools, to better support air traffic controllers in managing increasing flight operations. With air travel on the rise, this project will accommodate future growth while maintaining safety standards.
Construction is anticipated to begin in Fall 2025 and projected to be completed by Summer 2026. The project will also create jobs and stimulate local economic growth during the construction phase.
