The Gary/Chicago International Airport (GCIA) would receive approximately $9.8 million in infrastructure funding to construct an on-site fuel distribution facility as part of Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb’s proposed budget. This funding proposal was included as part of the Governor’s overall budget proposal that was unveiled by Governor Holcomb. Should this funding be authorized, it will allow a further competitive advantage to GCIA as it continues to mature its cargo services and general aviation offerings.
“We are immensely thankful to Governor Holcomb for including this vital fuel distribution facility in his budget proposal and appreciate his continued efforts to support the City of Gary and our Gary/Chicago International airport,” said City of Gary Mayor Jerome Prince. “I look forward to working with our Northwest Indiana legislative delegation to ensure this project remains in the state’s final budget.”
While GCIA offers among the lowest fuel costs in the Chicago Metropolitan Area, the lack of an onsite fuel distribution facility presented a long-term challenge to GCIA’s competitive advantage as the airport currently relies on jet fuel to be trucked to the airport. Once completed, the on-site distribution facility will allow GCIA to tap into the national “Jet A” fuel network, providing for more competitive pricing and increasing demand for aircraft to refuel at GCIA.
“Having an on-site fuel distribution facility is critical to the long-term competitive advantage of the airport, and we are grateful to Governor Holcomb for including this important distribution facility in his budget,” said GCIA Executive Director Dan Vicari. “Eliminating the need to truck jet fuel to GCIA reduces our exposure to market fluctuations, while also providing the airport with enhanced capacity to handle additional operations as we continue to mature our offerings.”
This funding was included as part of Governor Holcomb’s budget address, with funding authorization anticipated by spring of 2023.
