The Federal Aviation Administration has given the Gary/Chicago International Airport the green light to start a siting study for a new air traffic control tower.
The airport's current tower, which was built in 1972, has become outdated and inefficient, according to a press release.
The FAA's approval is the culmination of two years of planning, which concluded in early September.
“We are thrilled to receive approval for this critical project, and this significant investment in our airport infrastructure will enhance our air traffic management abilities,” said Dan Vicari, executive director of the Gary/Chicago International Airport, in the press release. “The new control tower will not only improve operational efficiency but also provide our dedicated air traffic controllers with the tools they need to manage our skies safely.”
Next steps are to begin the design and engineering phase of the project. Plans are for a tower that is 50 feet taller than its predecessor.
It also will include new technology for radar and communication as air travel increases.
The project is scheduled to begin in fall of 2025 and finish by summer of 2026. More jobs are anticipated during construction.
The airport also broke ground this summer on a new $12 million hangar, which will house Wingtip Aviation. And it welcomed its 500th international flight.
