Mayor: New Customs Facility Opens More Doors For Gary
(Image courtesy of Senator Joe Donnelly's Office.)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe mayor of Gary believes the opening of a United States Customs and Border Protection facility at the Gary/Chicago International Airport could help open the door for additional developments, travel options and logistical opportunities. Karen Freeman-Wilson says existing tenants like B. Coleman Aviation and Gary Jet Center will benefit, as will potential commercial carriers that might look to fly internationally. The facility allows users flying in from anywhere in the world to clear customs at GYY, instead of landing first elsewhere, as aircraft had to in the past.
Freeman-Wilson says the project "fits well" with other major developments at the airport in recent years, including the $174 million runway expansion that wrapped up three years ago. "It also allows us to market the airport to those who might want to do international cargo. We talked with some folks from Korea not very long ago and discussed with them the prospect of doing international cargo," she told Inside INdiana Business. "We’ve had some conversations with folks who fly to Mexico commercially. That will help to accelerate those conversations."
Public and private investments have been the focus of airport and city leadership in recent years, leading to developments including nearly $35 million in completed or planned investments from B. Coleman, $8 million in completed hangar investments from Gary Jet Center since 2014, the nearly 2,000-foot main runway extension, a recently-approved plan for a $2.5 million East Corporate Hangar and an updated master planning process that is expected to be complete by the end of the year.
Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson says the project “fits well” with other major developments at the airport in recent years, including the $174 million runway expansion that wrapped up three years ago.