Gary / Chicago International Airport (GCIA) is getting a $10 million federal grant to build a new air traffic control tower. This announcement follows a prior FAA grant in 2024 providing funding for design and engineering. The new tower will replace the current one in operation since 1972. Construction is expected to begin later this summer and be complete by late 2027. It will be about 50-feet taller than the existing one to provide direct line-of-sight of the expanded airfield and feature state-of-the-art technology, including advanced radar systems and communication tools to better support air traffic controllers in managing increasing flight operations, a news release Wednesday May 20 2026 said.
“We are grateful to Congressman Frank Mrvan and the FAA Chicago Airports District Office for their continued leadership and support in securing this funding for our new Air Traffic Control Tower, which represents a critical step in our ongoing airport infrastructure modernization,” said GCIA Executive Director Dan Vicari. “This project ensures we have the facilities needed to support ongoing growth and operational efficiency while enhancing safety, improve service capabilities, and strengthen the Gary/Chicago International Airport’s role as a key economic driver for Northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland region.”
“Today’s announcement that the Gary/Chicago International Airport secured $10 million in federal funding for a new air traffic control tower is another significant step forward for the economic future of Gary and Northwest Indiana, and I congratulate Mayor Melton and the leadership of the airport for their successful application and continued commitment to modernizing critical infrastructure,” said Congressman Frank J. Mrvan. “Investments like this strengthen the airport’s ability to attract additional transportation, distribution, and logistics activity, while creating new opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and private investment throughout our region.”
