Gary airport chief discusses plans with Northwest Indiana RDA

BY KASS STONE, Times of Northwest Indiana Correspondent

CROWN POINT | Gary/Chicago International Airport Director Chris Curry presented plans for the airport's future to members of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority on Thursday.

The final properties needed for the airport's runway expansion are close to being acquired, Curry said.

And, Curry said, he believes the airport is close to an agreement with EJ&E Railway for the relocation of its tracks, which is necessary for the runway expansion.

He also said he believes an agreement with Norfolk Southern Corp. and CSX Corp. is forthcoming on the relocation of the tracks. The two railroads have issues regarding track ownership to work out.

If Norfolk Southern and CSX do not come to an agreement, Curry said airport officials will seek a meeting with both companies' chief operating officers in order to come to an agreement.

The moving of the tracks and the airport's expansion might lead to building an overpass over the tracks on Industrial Highway. An automated parking system could be implemented by the airport, Curry added.

The airport receives $1.3 million from the city of Gary for operating costs. Curry said that the airport expects that amount to be reduced and an automated parking system will help offset that loss. Curry estimated the cost of the automated system will be $450,000. The system would charge airport customers $7 a day to park and could generate $1.3 to $1.4 million.

Curry also mentioned that an airline that flies to Mexico has expressed interest in flying out of Gary as soon as late summer. That would require the airport to construct an immigration and customs facility. Curry said the airport could convert an already existing building on its property for that purpose at a cost of $3 million to $4 million.