Gary/Chicago International Airport could save money by using surplus supplies and equipment available from major Chicago airports, an airport board member said on Wednesday.

"We need to look for those opportunities," said Rosemarie Andolino, a Chicago Department of Aviation commissioner and an appointee to the Gary airport board.

Part of a compact agreement between the cities of Gary and Chicago "is for us to share with Gary," Andolino said.

A $42,000 back-up generator needed for the fire house at the Gary airport might instead be found among surplus equipment at O'Hare International Airport or Chicago Midway Airport, or from a federal surplus supply, Andolino said.

"Let's see if there are any resources we can potentially move from O'Hare or Midway as an alternative before we spend the money," she said.

The board agreed to approve the purchase of the generator pending the outcome of a search for surplus equipment.

In other matters, the board approved the transfer of $100,000 to a contingency budget category from the professional services category.

The move was made to better reflect the actual budget needs for the airport, officials said.

It is expected the need for consulting services paid out of the professional services category will increase next year when work ramps up on a planned expansion project.