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Chris Curry, Airport Director
RUNWAY EXPANSION MOVES FORWARD AT GARY AIRPORT
The Gary/Chicago International Airport's primary goal over the last few years has been to complete its primary runway extension project.
When finished, the runway project will bring the airport into Federal Aviation Administration compliance and increase the type and size of aircraft that the airport can accommodate. .
Although our location provides many opportunities, it also presents some challenges. The airport is surrounded by several rail lines operated by different rail carriers. As such, expansion requires cooperation from the various train operators and relocation of certain rail lines -- no small feat. .
Negotiations have gone well, and we are in the final phase, which involves final approval of legal contracts and engineering designs. Construction is scheduled to commence in 2010. .
The path to this point has been long, but productive. We partnered with NIPSCO to complete a power-line relocation. This involved rerouting high-voltage power lines underground to prevent an impediment to aircraft using the extended runway. .
The project came in well under budget. .
The airport also has been working with the Indiana Toll Road Commission to lower the Toll Road in areas that affect aircraft arrivals. This project will provide opportunities for the airport well into the future. .
As part of the land acquisition, we coordinated our efforts with the Gary Redevelopment Commission and retain businesses and jobs in Gary. .
Finally, the Regional Development Authority and its director have been invaluable in moving this process to this point. These collaborative efforts have resulted in moving the runway project forward while maintaining safe operations and minimizing inconvenience to airport tenants. .
At this point, only our inability to find common ground with the Gary Community School Corp. concerning land acquisition stands in the way of airport expansion. On that front, with help from the mayor and others, we are hopeful that all will work together to achieve what is best for the airport without much more legal entanglements. .
Moving forward, there are legitimate differing opinions within the region as to what the airport should become. A recent collaboration between the RDA and the airport has resulted in a business and strategic plan being developed by Landrum and Brown -- an internationally recognized and respected airport consultant. .
I hope this plan will provide a path of expansion that everyone can respect. The RDA and airport share the same goal, which is to enhance transportation in Northwest Indiana, and they have been great partners. .
We also are working on a joint study with the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District. This study is to explore different alternatives to provide better connectivity between passenger rail and the airport. .
Regardless of the tireless work of the airport staff or the conclusions of hired consultants, this airport only can succeed with regional support.
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