Construct apron

The Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Great Lakes Region awarded a $4.21 million Project Grant to Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority on September 2, 2025, under the Airport Improvement Program (CFDA 20.106) to construct cargo apron infrastructure. This award funds Phase 1 of a comprehensive apron expansion project, which will construct 14,472 square yards of the planned 91,484 square yard cargo apron. The project is scheduled for completion by September 1, 2029, and will be performed at the airport's Gary, Indiana facility (46406).

The cargo apron expansion supports the airport's operational capacity to accommodate increased cargo operations, enhancing the airport's role as a critical transportation infrastructure hub serving the Chicago metropolitan region. As a civilian public-use airport included in the National Plan of Integrated Airports Systems, Gary/Chicago International Airport qualifies for federal funding through the Airport Improvement Program, which prioritizes infrastructure investments that support safety, operational excellence, and long-term economic benefits through transportation infrastructure modernization.

Activities and expected outcomes

This project constructs a new 91,484 square yard cargo apron to accommodate more cargo. This grant funds phase 1 which will construct 14,472 square yards of apron. Intended beneficiary: this grant will provide federal funding for airports associated with gary, indiana.