Gary airport targets higher profile
The Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority plans to upgrade its visibility to potential customers with possible new state highway signs along major highways.
On Wednesday the authority approved a $29,000 sign assessment study by American Structurepoint. The study will examine the placement of state highway signage along the Indiana Toll Road, Cline Avenue and I-80/ 94.
“This is a great idea,” said Deputy Mayor Trent
McCain, who’s also a board member. “We’ll be waiting to see what it shows as we try to raise the visibility of the airport. This is a step in the right direction.”
Airport executive director Dan Vicari reported airport operations were up, along with jet fuel sales. He said about 300,000 gallons were sold in June, a 24% increase over June 2021.
“We’re on target to sell more than we ever have because of improvements in operations,” he said.
On Vicari’s recommendation, the authority approved a contract with Burns and
McDonnell, a Chicago-based engineering firm, for a fuel master plan for the airport.
“We need to be proactive to make sure we have adequate fuel storage,” he said.
The authority also approved a $37,971 contract with ADB Safegate for the purchase of 15 new airfield directional signs. Vicari said the signs are for pilots to guide them to taxiways along the runways.
“They’re in pretty bad shape and not modern LED signs,” he said. The Federal Aviation Administration recommended the replacement of the old signs.
Officials also announced the airport received an upgraded bond rating on its $26.4 million airport redevelopment zone revenue bonds. The rating on GCIA’s 2014 bonds increased to BBB+ from BBB, with the ratings outlook listed as “stable.”
Airport Authority Chairman Peter J. Visclosky said the new rating represented a positive market reaction “as we continue to emerge from the pandemic.”