Gary Chicago International Airport groundbreaking for expanding air cargo sector

Gary-Chicago Airport expands capacity for air cargo

Contributed By: The 411 News

Tuesday’s ceremonial groundbreaking at the Gary / Chicago International Airport commemorated the initial phase of a long-term expansion of the airport’s air cargo sector, which has quickly expanded since beginning operations in late 2020.

The groundbreaking announced roughly $24 million of multiple infrastructure enhancements to the airport, including the installation of a ‘Jet-A’ fuel pipeline, installation of a new sanitary sewer system serving cargo facilities, a deicing facility, and a new cargo logistics apron.

When complete, these enhancements will provide GCIA added capacity to service its air cargo operations.

“This is a pivotal step to securing the future of our increasingly important air cargo offering, with these infrastructure investments made possible by the past several years’ of increasing cargo sector growth,” said Dan Vicari, Executive Director of the Gary / Chicago International Airport.

In 2020, GCIA began cargo service operations via UPS, who signed a long-term lease agreement. Cargo service operations have quickly scaled, and GCIA now ranks 3rd in the State of Indiana on its freight volume, with further growth anticipated in coming years.

Phase 1 will also create a new cargo logistics apron to accommodate an additional eight (8) air cargo planes to operate out of the airport concurrently.

“We congratulate the airport on this important milestone,” said Jeff Simonic, UPS Transportation President – Central Zone. “We are excited about the new cargo ramp space and look forward to seeing it enhance the airport’s ability to accommodate future growth.”

The Jet-A fuel pipeline project will install a direct pipeline to large-capacity storage tanks at GCIA. The line will be installed in an existing right-of-way, providing on-demand transfer capabilities and eliminating the need to move fuel with traditional semi-tanker trucks. The project will reduce the carbon footprint while lowering costs to the users.

“We are immensely grateful for the partnership of Congressman Mrvan, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and the State of Indiana for their continued support for our airport and its ability to fuel the local economy,” Vicari said.

Funding for these enhancements came from a variety of sources at the state and federal levels and total roughly $24 million, pulled together over a period of years.

Indiana Congressman Frank J. Mrvan (1st) secured slightly over $10 million in Community Project Funding (CPF) from Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will provide slightly over $4 million in funds via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), with the State of Indiana awarding approximately $9.8 million in grant funding for the enhancements.

Story Posted:10/09/2024