The Federal Aviation Administration has approved a siting study allowing for the placement of a new airport traffic control tower at the Gary/Chicago International Airport, according to a Thursday release.
The proposed new tower would replace an older outdated tower built in 1972 which officials said, while still functional, has become increasingly obsolete and inefficient.
Plans to replace the older tower began two years ago with the FAA. The process ended this month with the FAA’s approval of the siting study report.
“We are thrilled to receive approval for this critical project, and this significant investment in our airport infrastructure will enhance our air traffic management abilities,” said Dan Vicari, executive Gary airport director in a release.
“The new control tower will not only improve operational efficiency but also provide our dedicated air traffic controllers with the tools they need to manage our skies safely,” he said.
Plans for the new tower were included in the airport’s new master plan. It’s expected to be built near the old one, but will be about twice the height or about 95 feet, officials said at a July airport authority meeting.
The FAA approval allows the airport to begin the design and engineering phase of the project. The new tower will include state-of-the-art technology such as advanced radar systems and communication tools to better support air traffic controllers managing increasing flight operations.
In July, officials said the airport’s expanded runway makes it difficult for air traffic controllers to see all four ends of the airport. At its July meeting, officials said they hoped to receive about $16 million in federal funding for the project.
Construction could begin in the fall of 2025 and is projected to be completed by the summer of 2026.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.