The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority and Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority are teaming up to translate recommendations in a new airport strategic business plan into action.
The airport authority at its regular meeting Thursday voted to accept an offer from the RDA to form an implementation task force and to develop a timeline for delivering on the business plan.
The business plan developed by international aviation consultant Landrum & Brown stated priority No. 1 at the airport has to be the extension of its main runway. It also called for a number of other actions, including the regionalization of the airport authority and marketing the airport to leisure charter airlines.
The RDA is a key airport supporter, having provided the airport with more than $20 million for the expansion. It is also the most likely local funding source for moving railroad tracks that block the lengthening of the main runway.
In 2006, the Federal Aviation Administration pledged $58.6 million in funding for the expansion, which carries a $90 million price tag overall.
Also at the morning meeting, Airport Director Chris Curry told the board the airport expected to soon receive appraisals for Gary Community School Corp. land it needs to clear the way for airport expansion.
By afternoon, Curry had received an appraisal amount of $916,375, which is considerably higher than earlier appraisals of around $375,000 but significantly lower than the up to $6 million the school corporation said the land might be worth.
The school corporation and the airport have not been able to arrive at a mutually agreeable price for the 103 acres of land, so the issue was thrown into court last year. The parcels are not located at the airport but are near Burr Street and 21st Avenue and at 6000 Miller Avenue.
The land is needed as part of a swap for environmentally sensitive habitat that will be plowed under by the airport expansion. The airport plans to restore the school corporation land to its native state and allow it to be used for educational purposes.
Curry said the airport authority board will have to decide on how to proceed. The airport could argue to lower the amount due to the environmental condition of the land. The school corporation for its part could appeal.
