Washington, DC: Congressman Pete Visclosky today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is awarding its sixth installment of federal assistance to the Gary/Chicago International Airport for airport expansion efforts.
Upon hearing the news, Interim Airport Director Steven Landry said, “The grant distribution is slated for enabling projects associated with the runway expansion program, including the relocation and realignment of railroad tracks. On behalf of Nathaniel Williams, Airport Authority President, and the entire airport authority, I would like to thank Representative Visclosky for his continued support of the airport.”
Bill Hanna, executive director of the Regional Development Authority stated, “The full development of the Gary/Chicago International Airport has a profound effect on the local economy. The extension of the runway will position the Gary/Chicago International Airport to reach its full potential. We want to thank Congressman Visclosky for his tireless support of economic development that creates new opportunities for the citizens of Northwest Indiana, and his dedication to the success of the Gary/Chicago International Airport.” The initial 2006 Letter of Intent provides up to $57.8 million to the Gary/Chicago Airport over 10 years, available in installments of up to $6 million per year. Today’s sixth payment totaled $5,069,233. The funding is designated for improvements and expansion that will help the airport stake its claim as the third major airport in the region.
“The Gary/Chicago Airport has the potential to transform the economy in Northwest Indiana,” added Visclosky. “Spurring job growth now and economic development in the future, this type of infrastructural investment is what we need to rebuild our region’s economy.”