Northwest Indiana RDA money could land at Gary/Chicago airport

Gov. Mitch Daniels and one of his closest advisors are waving the signal flags toward Gary/Chicago International Airport.

The Governor and senior economic advisor John Clark, at separate events six hours and 160 miles apart on Thursday, made it clear they want the airport to be a priority for the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority.

"It wouldn't surprise me at all if the airport came right to the top," Daniels said flanked by three RDA members and Gary Mayor Scott King in the terminal of the airport. "It's potential is obvious."

At a meeting of the Indiana Finance Authority in the morning, Clark said the airport's ability to leverage other funds is almost unmatched.

"For every nickel we take in there, we can bring a dollar back," Clark said.

The Federal Aviation Administration funds approved airport projects with up to 95 percent matching federal funds.

In addition to being Daniel's confidante, Clark is Daniel's appointee to the RDA. As chairman of the RDA, his yes vote is required for any major action.

The airport is waiting on an FAA letter of intent to get the ball rolling on an $89 million project that would extend its main runway to handle large commercial passenger and cargo jets.

Improving the airport, which has struggled to land regular air passenger service, is not popular with everyone. Hooters Air is currently the only airline serving the airport.

Jim Nowacki, a Gary resident questioned any further investment of taxpayer money in the airport at an airport authority meeting on Wednesday.

"While other major airports are booming, there's just no rush to bring business to this airport," he said.

But others are pushing the airport as one key to the region's economic future. Not only because it could host passenger service, but also for its potential as a cargo port.

Improvement of the Gary/Chicago airport is part of the RDA's mission. In addition, it is specifically empowered to improve commuter rail, regional bus services and the Lake Michigan shoreline. It also can undertake other economic development projects.

It plans to have an open application process for applying for funds up and running by next year.

Daniels on Thursday handed over a mock check for $10 million to the RDA, representing the amount of Toll Road money the Indiana Finance Authority approved for the RDA in the morning in Indianapolis.

Clark was present in Indianapolis for that action.

The RDA will get $17.5 million more per year in funding from local casino revenues and local income taxes. That money should start flowing on a quarterly basis beginning next year.