The Gary/Chicago International Airport has received a $10 million federal grant for the construction of a new air traffic control tower, officials said Wednesday.
The new tower will be located near the existing tower that’s being replaced. It’s been in operation since 1972.
The Federal Aviation Administration announced the grant as part of a program to provide airports with modernized air traffic control facilities.
In 2024, the airport received a $1.7 million FAA grant for design and engineering plans for the tower.
Construction of the new tower will begin later in the summer and about 115 skilled trade workers will be on-site for the project that’s expected to be completed in 2027.
The airport’s existing tower is still functional, but officials said it’s becoming increasingly obsolete and inefficient.
More Top Picks Best Wine Making Kits For Beginners
Plans to replace it began in 2022.
The new tower will be about 50 feet taller than the existing tower and provide direct line-of-sight to the expanded airfield. It will have new upgraded technology, including advanced radar systems and communication tools to better support air traffic controllers in managing flight operations.
“We are grateful to Congressman Frank Mrvan and the FAA Chicago Airports District Office for their continued leadership and support in securing this funding for our new Air Traffic Control Tower, which represents a critical step in our ongoing airport infrastructure modernization,” said airport executive director Dan Vicari.
Mrvan, D-Highland, hailed the tower grant as a significant step forward for the economic future of Gary and Northwest Indiana.
“Investments like this strengthen the airport’s ability to attract additional transportation, distribution, and logistics activity, while creating new opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and private investment throughout our region.”
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.