Chicago-Gary Regional Airport Authority

The board meeting focused on the election of the 2026 leadership for the airport authority. The announcement detailed the appointed commissioners for the seven-member board and highlighted the airport's recent growth, including runway expansion, the opening of a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility, the scaling of cargo operations via UPS, and the recent acquisition of the Griffith-Merrillville Airport.

The presentation detailed the proposed public-private partnership (P3) agreements for the airport, specifically outlining a management agreement and a development agreement. Key points included the selection of an operating group to manage the facility while maintaining public ownership and control. The development agreement includes a significant financial investment commitment, with a $100 million total investment over 40 years, including a $25 million infusion over the next three years to drive immediate regional development. The speaker also clarified the nature of the P3 structure, emphasizing that it does not involve a sale of the airport asset.

This document outlines the Gary / Chicago International Airport Master Plan Update, serving as a 20-year roadmap for infrastructure development. The plan's overall purpose is to assess and determine facility needs, provide development options, and establish a timeline and financial schedule for implementation. Key strategic areas include enhancing economic growth by expanding air service, optimizing airfield and terminal facilities, and improving support infrastructure while considering environmental impacts and financial sustainability. The plan focuses on forecasting aviation activity, evaluating facility requirements for components such as the airfield, general aviation, terminal, air cargo, and support facilities, and developing various alternatives to meet these needs.

This document details an update to the Gary/Chicago International Airport Master Plan, outlining the process of stakeholder and public engagement. It presents aviation activity forecasts for a 20-year outlook, assesses functional area needs, and evaluates various development alternatives for airfield geometry, runway extensions, general aviation, terminal facilities, and airport support services. The plan defines project scopes, timelines, and costs for infrastructure improvements, aiming to accommodate future growth and maintain the airport's role as a regional economic driver through 2042.

This document, Chapter 5 of the Master Plan Update, systematically evaluates various development alternatives for the Gary Chicago International Airport. It outlines methodologies for selecting preferred alternatives across critical functional areas. Key areas of focus include airfield improvements (Runway 2-20 extension, taxiway network), general aviation facilities (hangars), terminal building concepts for commercial service, terminal area parking and roadways, regional transportation connectivity, air cargo development, and other essential airport facilities (ATCT, ARFF, administration, storm drainage, and land acquisition). The plan aims to address anticipated needs and forecasted growth through a planning horizon extending to 2035, ensuring optimal infrastructure development and operational efficiency.