Gary/Chicago International Airport

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FAA EXAMINES PROGRESS

Federal Aviation Administration officials toured the ongoing work at Gary Chicago International Airport in May and pronounced they were pleased with the progress of the runway extension project. “It’s nice to see earth being turned,” said FAA program manager Rich Kula. “We are looking forward to seeing it completed.”

In 2006, the FAA committed up to $57.8 million to support the project. The funding is being provided in annual increments of up to $6 million, the most recent of which was released May 30. This release, the seventh disbursement from the FAA, was praised by regional leaders, including Congressman Pete Visclosky and Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson.

“This funding allows the Gary/Chicago International Airport to continue the progress being made to date on the runway expansion in order to realize the full economic potential of the airport, which benefits our region. This project creates construction jobs in the short term and will stimulate investment and job growth in Northwest Indiana,” said Congressman Visclosky.

“This recent allocation of funds is a great reminder of the progress taking place at the Gary airport and within the City of Gary,” said Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson. “We appreciate the support from the Department of Transportation because investment in this runway project means growth for Gary and the entire region.”

“The runway extension project at the Gary/Chicago International Airport is a true team effort,” added Bill Hanna, President and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, which is also providing funding for the project. “We’re grateful for the continued efforts of the FAA, Congressman Visclosky, the City of Gary, the Airport Board of Directors and the many others who are working to finish the runway on schedule. When completed, it will make the airport a lynchpin for job creation and economic development in the region.”

Just as importantly, the longer runway will also make the airport safer for travelers, pilots and air crews. The FAA issued a “call to action” on runway safety in 2008 and has developed an array of education and training initiatives to cut down unsafe practices and actions on runways. As a result, the number of what the agency classifies as “serious” safety incursions on runways declined by half – from 25 to 12 – between 2008 and 2009.

“When the work at Gary is done, this will bring both ends of the runway into compliance with safety standards,” Kula noted.

For Kula, a Highland, Ind., native, the work at Gary is especially gratifying. “It’s great for Gary and it’s great for the region,” he said. “Hopefully, the increased runway length will bring additional service to help the local economy. It’s a win-win-win for the airport, resident and business.”

06/07/2012

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