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Washington, D.C. – Congressman Pete Visclosky, along with Governor Daniels and Senators Lugar and Bayh, today urged the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to approve the Gary Chicago Airport’s Letter of Intent (LOI), which would make way for millions of dollars in federal investment for an important economic engine in Northwest Indiana. The decision from the FAA is expected sometime in October.
“The Gary/Chicago Airport is a key piece to building a new economy in Northwest Indiana,” said Visclosky. “By investing in the third airport for the Chicago metropolitan airport, we are investing in the jobs of the future and an improved quality of life for everyone throughout the region.”
The four elected officials made their case in a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Norman Mineta, citing the airport’s ability to alleviate congestion and capacity issues. “As the elected officials representing Northwest Indiana, we are writing to express our strong support for the Gary/Chicago International Airport’s (GYY) Letter of Intent application for funding,” said the officials’ letter to Mineta. “We believe a significant investment by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration to GYY will help address the congestion and capacity crisis currently plaguing the Chicago metropolitan region.”
Recent Successes
In the letter, Visclosky and the other elected officials also pointed out the recent successes of both the airport and the region. In 2004, the Gary/Chicago Airport was one of only two airports in the entire country to receive priority consideration for funding its LOI application, and the approval is the next step. “This funding is essential to the Airport’s ability to implement its 20-year Master Plan, which includes the relocation of a moderately used freight line and the extension of the main runway,” said the delegation’s letter.
Additionally, the recent creation of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority provides state and local support for the long-term vision of the airport. According to Visclosky and the other signers of the letter to the FAA, the Regional Development Authority “will ensure the Airport has a constant and guaranteed stream of revenue for the foreseeable future,” making local funding matches for federal projects more available.
The Time is Right
Visclosky says these recent successes at the federal, state and local levels show the potential of the airport and its impact on the local economy. “We believe LOI assistance, along with financial support from the state, will help ensure GYY is a part of the long-term solution needed to address the region’s vast needs. As O’Hare and Midway Airports continue to experience congestion and capacity shortages, GYY will play an increasingly valuable role in delivering commercial passenger and cargo service to the region.” |
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