In Gary, federal, state and local leaders gathered to celebrate the completion of Gary/Chicago International airport’s new 55-acre air cargo campus. The airport says the $24 million investment is designed to support continued growth in air cargo operations and further bolster economic development throughout Northwest Indiana. The ribbon-cutting Tuesday September 8, 2026, also included a ceremonial groundbreaking for a new airport-wide sanitary and stormwater infrastructure project.
“Today’s ribbon cutting marks a transformative moment for the Gary / Chicago International Airport and the continued evolution of our air cargo operations. We are grateful for the strong support of our federal, state and local partners who helped make this investment feasible,” said GCIA Executive Director Dan Vicari. “The completion of this new 55-acre cargo campus positions the airport extremely well for continued growth, creating new opportunities for current and future airport users while reinforcing our role as a vital economic engine for Northwest Indiana.”
Funding was assembled through a combination of federal, state and local sources, including Community Project Funding secured by Congressman Frank J. Mrvan, Federal Aviation Administration funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and support from the State of Indiana.
“This project represents years of planning, collaboration and investment in the future of Gary/Chicago International Airport,” said Tom Collins Jr., Chairman of the Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority. “The GCIA Authority is committed to ensuring GCIA continues to provide value to the region through strategic infrastructure investments that support business growth, attract private investment and create opportunities for future generations.”
“Today’s milestone is a testament to what we can achieve through strong federal, state, and local partnerships,” said Gary Mayor Eddie Melton. “The completion of this state-of-the-art cargo campus elevates Gary’s role as a premier logistics hub in the Midwest. We are building the critical infrastructure necessary to attract world-class operations and drive sustained momentum for the City of Gary.”
“Today, we are celebrating a signature investment at the Gary/Chicago International Airport and another important step forward for Gary and all Northwest Indiana. The long-term vision and determination of GCIA’s leadership, combined with action at the local, state, and federal levels, is creating real economic development, good-paying jobs, and new opportunities for our communities,” said Indiana Congressman Frank J. Mrvan. “I thank the GCIA leadership, Mayor Melton, and our city officials for their tireless commitment to seeing this airport reach its full potential. Let’s continue building on this success and show what is possible when local, state, and federal partners clearly communicate, collaborate, and act on behalf of the workers, families, and communities of Northwest Indiana.”
“Indiana’s transportation network depends on strategic investments that strengthen connectivity, improve efficiency and support economic growth,” said Michael Buening, Chief Airport Engineer of Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). “The completion of this cargo infrastructure project enhances one of Indiana’s most important aviation assets and helps position the airport for future growth in freight, logistics and business development throughout the region.”
“On behalf of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, we are thrilled to take part in this celebration for the recent cargo expansion at Gary/Chicago International Airport,” said Matt Saltanovitz, Vice President of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). “This project is a huge win for Indiana commerce and for Hoosiers. Its completion highlights our state’s commitment to cooperating across organizations and industries to make Indiana a better place to live, work, and do business.”
“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is here to deliver, and our focus is on the resources that provide the highest-priority projects serving our nation’s interest,” said Lt. Col. David Dawes of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “By completing these sewer upgrades and launching the next phase of storm rehabilitation, we are ensuring the people of Gary, and the Gary/Chicago International Airport, have the physical foundation to expand the cargo footprint and drive regional growth. Together, with our local partners, we are building infrastructure that is truly built to last.”
