GARY | The Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority on Thursday approved the start of plannning improvements to the South Shore's Clark Street stop, which sits at the east end of its main runway.

The airport and South Shore operator Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation Distrcit will use part of the first year's allocation of a $1.7 million federal grant to start the planning, said Airport Director Chris Curry.

The airport in March contracted with Davis Transportation to run shuttle buses from the Clark Street stop to the airport terminal and to Chicago's Loop during Skybus Airline's 23-day sojourn here.

"In the short time we had Skybus in here, we had a positive experience with moving people to this location," said authority member Ross Amundson. "It's something that is needed."

Improvements for the Clark Street station that will be considered include a bus loop, a parking lot and improvements to the shelter, Curry said.

Also on Thursday, city of Gary internal auditor Nathaniel Williams took a seat on the airport authority, replacing long-time member William Staehle.

"I can bring experience as it regards financials to the board and help the urban community we live in understand what is actually going on at the airport," Williams said.

Williams said he will take a close look at all the options that have been proposed for the airport, including Mayor Rudy Clay's long-standing objective of expanding cargo operations there.

Staehle has been involved with the Gary airport continuously since the 1960s, when he was a city planner. That included a stint as director almost a decade ago.

"He will be missed," said authority president the Rev. Marion Johnson. "He was an outstanding guy and his knowledge of the airport will be missed."