Gary airport sets sights on air cargo capacity with infrastructure improvements
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This week, Gary/Chicago International Airport will begin a series of infrastructure improvements that officials say will boost the airport’s capacity to handle air cargo freight.
The airport has secured around $24 million for the improvements that are highlighted by the installation of a jet fuel service pipeline to service large-capacity storage tanks and the construction of an air cargo logistics apron.
Gary/Chicago Airport officials said in a press release the new apron increases the airport’s operating capacity by eight cargo planes. The improvements also include upgrades to the airport’s sewer systems.
The airport ranks third in Indiana in freight movement and is a hub for the United Parcel Service Inc. after signing a contract in 2020.
Some of the federal funding for the airport was announced last year, but the groundbreaking this week is being marked with additional funds. In total, the airport says it is using just over $10 million in Community Project Funding grants. Of that pool, $2 million will go to sewer improvements to be done by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and the rest will go to the logistics apron.
On top of that, the Federal Aviation Administration is contributing $4.33 million and the state of Indiana is allocating almost $10 million.
The airport says the improvements getting underway this week represent Phase 1 of a multi-stage plan to upgrade cargo offerings.
Officials with the Gary/Chicago airport will celebrate the groundbreaking with a ceremony Tuesday afternoon at the airport.
The event comes just a few weeks after the airport received approval from the FAA for a new, $16.4 million airport traffic control tower to replace the aging tower that was built in 1972.
Work is also underway on a new $12 million hangar, set to open next May, that will be leased to Valparaiso-based Wingtip Aviation.