The Federal Aviation Administration is awarding more than $5 million to the Gary/Chicago International Airport for airport expansion efforts.
The original 2006 Letter of Intent provides up to $57.8 million to the Gary/Chicago Airport over 10 years, available in installments of up to $6 million per year.
The sixth payment totaled $5,069,233.
“The Gary/Chicago Airport has the potential to transform the economy in Northwest Indiana,” said U.S. Rep. Peter Visclosky, D-Merrillville. “Spurring job growth now and economic development in the future, this type of infrastructural investment is what we need to rebuild our region’s economy.”
Interim Airport Director Steven Landry said the money will help pay for the relocation and realignment of railroad tracks near a proposed runway expansion.
“On behalf of Nathaniel Williams, Airport Authority President, and the entire airport authority, I would like to thank Representative (Pete) Visclosky for his continued support of the airport.”
Bill Hanna, executive director of the Regional Development Authority, said that the airport’s success is vital to the future of the local economy.
“The extension of the runway will position the Gary/Chicago International Airport to reach its full potential,” Hanna said.