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Washington, D.C. – Congressman Pete Visclosky today applauded the return of commercial air service to Gary/Chicago International Airport. A SkyBus flight from Greensville, North Carolina landed at Gary/Chicago Airport this morning, the first commercial airline arrival since May, 2006.
“I am energized by the fact that SkyBus’ first flight to Gary/Chicago International Airport landed today and hope that it marks a new era for the airport,” said Visclosky. “The Gary/Chicago Airport is one of Northwest Indiana’s most underutilized resources. It has the potential to create jobs and spur economic activity and is one of my top economic development priorities. In choosing to serve Gary, SkyBus acknowledged the inherent value of the airport’s strategic location near surface transportation and its proximity to downtown Chicago.”
Visclosky has long been an advocate for Gary/Chicago Airport, helping it secure $97.3 million in federal funding to date, and working with local officials to best utilize the facility. From Fiscal Year 2001 through Fiscal Year 2006 he directed $14.6 million to the airport for apron expansion, runway overlay, safety modernization, and various other improvements. Visclosky also secured a total of $24.961 million in Fiscal Years 2004 and 2005 for the Indiana National Guard Readiness Center at the airport.
Currently, the City of Gary and Gary/Chicago Airport have embarked on a major expansion project to enhance access to the airport for public and commercial users. The planned expansion would increase the size of the airport by roughly 50 percent and extend the main runway to a length of 9,000 feet. Visclosky worked with Senators Richard Lugar and Evan Bayh and Governor Mitch Daniels to promote the airport expansion plan and in 2006 the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Letter of Intent, the strongest commitment the FAA can make, to provide Gary/Chicago International Airport with $57.8 million over the next 10 years. The funding would be used to relocate the EJ&E rail line, purchase land, and extend the main runway.
“Imagine the new jobs and economic activity in Northwest Indiana if other airlines follow suit and bring service to Gary,” said Visclosky. “We must continue our efforts to expand and improve the airport so that it realizes its potential to become a driving force behind Northwest Indiana’s economy.” |
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