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Newsletter
Sky Report: Summer 2009
| Mission Statement Gary/Chicago International Airport (GCIA) has set its sights on continued growth and expansion. GCIA is dedicated to providing quality service, low cost, and convenient access. Recognized as Chicago’s Third Airport, GCIA represents the highest degree of safety and operational efficiency with plenty of room to grow. |
Summer 2009 |
Letter From The Director
Dear Friends,
I welcome and thank you for the opportunity to present updates of current projects and developments at the Gary/Chicago International Airport (GCIA). Projects underway include the lengthening of Runway 12-30 to the northwest. A new executive hangar facility is expected to begin construction in the next few weeks as an opportunity for the airport to lease airport land.
All of these projects and developments are essential steps to improve our infrastructure and make the airport more attractive to commercial and cargo carriers.
Our continued partnerships with the Regional Development Authority, Northwest Indiana Forum, Northwest Indiana region, City of Chicago, governors, senators, mayors, local tourism conventions, Friends of Gary/Chicago Airport, and local community are critical for Gary/Chicago International Airport's path to becoming the best approach for the Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland area.
Sincerely,
Chris Curry
Airport Director
Runway 12-30 Expansion
The airport is expanding Runway 12-30 to the northwest by 1,900 feet from approximately 7,000 to 8,900 feet. The airport has acquired 162 acres of property for the runway lengthening, completed the Cline Avenue (IN-912) (which reduced the frontage road to a single lane in order to make room for the railroad track relocation), Power Line Relocation projects, and relocated the CITGO fuel tank that was determined to be within the proposed runway expansion air space. The airport is in the process of finalizing a legal agreement with the railroads required for the E. J. & E railroad relocation Other runway expansion components to be completed are the NAVAID relocation, wetland mitigation, and runway remarking. The airport project funding was provided by a variety of sources with the majority from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the amount of $57.8 million dollars, Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) in the amount of $20 million dollars, as well as a projected $9.5 million dollars collected from passenger facility charges from the Chicago Airport System.
Railroad Update
The airport and the railroad signed a Preliminary Memorandum of Understanding (PMOU) with the Elgin Joliet & Eastern (EJ&E), CSX, and the Norfolk Southern (NS) railroads. This agreement addresses the necessary relocation of the EJ&E tracks that border the airport to allow for the Runway 12-30 expansion, and the shift of CSX operations to the NS Gary Branch commonly known as the "Sugar Track" which allows the airport to eventually extend the crosswind runway. Negotiations continue.
New Partnership - Executive Hangars
The Gary Chicago International Airport has developed a partnership with Raymond Lewick & Associates (RLA) to lease airport land to RLA for construction of a new hangar facility designed for the “mobile” executive. This facility will be the home of four (4) individual hangars large enough to house light twin jets or twin engine props. Each upscale, heated hangar will include an office area and restroom facilities. The land has been cleared to begin the initial phase of the project. The project’s completion is expected in late spring 2009.
AIRPORT FENCING - STIMULUS FUNDING
The airport will begin a project to upgrade its current fencing by increasing the its height surrounding the airport grounds. The airport will receive federal stimulus funds to finance the project. This project is important for securing the property from wildlife. It is expected to begin in September 2009 and end with completion in December 2009.
Triennial review exercise
The airport hosted its Triennial Review Exercise on June 11, 2009. It is a Federal Aviation Administration requirement (FAA) to perform the exercise every three (3) years. The purpose of the exercise is to deliver efficient and effective emergency management functions utilizing emergency personnel, equipment, and other resources. It provides an insight into the effectiveness of the airport’s emergency plan, management operations, and functions in the event of an aircraft incident. The enactment of an emergency included EMT students serving as injured passengers. Emergency personnel attended to each passenger and responded according to their injuries. Emergency Personnel was represented by agencies from Lake County, Cities of Gary, East Chicago, Hammond, Hobart, and Portage, the Indiana State Police and others. The event was covered by the NWI Times and Post-Tribune newspapers.
Taking off with the gary Chicago airport—tv show
“Taking Off with the Gary Chicago International Airport” is a regular scheduled television show hosted by Pastor Marion J. Johnson, Airport Board President. The show highlights topics of interest to the airport and the aviation industry. Its guests have included Airport Director Chris Curry, Senator Earline Rogers, State Representative Charlie Brown, Mayor Rudy Clay, RDA’s New Director Bill Hanna, Northwest Indiana Forum President Vincent Galbiati, as well as other distinguished guests. Tune in to the airport’s “Taking Off with the Gary Chicago International Airport” weekly on the Gary Public Access Channel. For day and time, please check your local listing.
LIGHTS, CAMERAS, & ACTION ON THE RUNWAY
There is always exciting events happening at the airport. On July 9, 2009, 15 year old, Kim Anyadike made a stop at the airport as she set the world’s record as the youngest African-American pilot to fly across the country. With her mentor, Levi Thornhill as a passenger, her landing was that of a pro. Her flight was sponsored by the Tuskegee Airmen’s Los Angeles chapter. A great showing of Tuskegee Airmen, media, and others were on hand to greet her arrival.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Director’s Speaking Engagements:
- August 18, 2009 - Merrillville Chamber of Commerce
- September 23, 2009 - Chesterton Chamber of Commerce
- October 15, 2009 - NIRPC Meeting
Events:
- August 15 - 16 ,2009 - Staging Area for Chicago Water and Air Show
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