The Gary/Chicago International Airport introduced a new rescue and firefighting truck as the result of $2 million in federal funding.
Fiscal Year 2022 Community Project Funding for the purchase was secured by Congressman Frank Mrvan (D-1st).
“We are grateful to Congressman Mrvan for being such a strong advocate on behalf of the airport,” said GCIA Executive Director Dan Vicari in a press release. “It’s exciting to see the airport rescue and firefighting truck physically here at GCIA and ready to be used.”
Vicari said the 3,000-gallon fire truck will allow different types of planes to land and will allow for growth at the airport.
The funds also made possible the purchase of two high-speed runway brooms for snow removal. The truck cost $1.3 million and the booms were $932,000. The balance of the acquisitions came from 5% contributions from the Indiana Department of Transportation and the airport.
“I am proud to work in partnership with the GCIA to identify and to secure federal resources to improve public safety,” Mrvan said. “This acquisition of a state-of-the-art fire engine will protect firefighters and demonstrate to airport tenants, current and future, that the Gary airport is poised for growth. Public safety and a growing economy go hand in hand, and I will continue to work with all local stakeholders to support first responders.”
Most of the airport's equipment is 20 years and older. The new equipment is expected to improve safety and decrease maintenance expenses.
“The Gary/Chicago International Airport is an economic engine for the Northwest Indiana region – and Congressman Mrvan surely recognizes this,” said GCIA Authority Chairman Pete Visclosky. “His continued support does not go unnoticed. While the fire truck was secured with $2 million from FY 2022’s Community Project Funding, Congressman Mrvan also recently secured $6 million in FY 2023 Community Project Funding for further investments in airport infrastructure.”
Caption: The Gary/Chicago International Airport introduced a new rescue and firefighting truck as the result of $2 million in federal funding. (Provided by Gary/Chicago International Airport)
