Federal, state, and local leaders gather today at the Gary/Chicago International Airport to celebrate a unique double milestone in regional environmental infrastructure. The Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority hosts the joint ceremony with a ribbon-cutting to mark the official completion of the Airport Sanitary Sewer Improvements project, immediately followed by a groundbreaking to launch a new Storm and Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation project.
The dual-purpose event highlighted the rapid transition from planning to execution in the Calumet Region, illustrating the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Chicago District's commitment to "building infrastructure, not paperwork."
"The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is here to deliver,” says Lt. Col David Dawes, USACE Chicago District Commander. Our focus is on the resources that deliver to the highest-priority projects that serve our national interest. By completing these sewer upgrades and launching the next phase of storm rehabilitation, we are ensuring the people of Gary, and the Gary/Chicago International Airport, have the physical foundation to expand the cargo footprint and drive regional growth. Together, with our local partners, we are building infrastructure that is truly built to last."
Celebrating Completion: Sanitary Sewer Improvements The ribbon-cutting marks the completion of the first environmental infrastructure phase, authorized under Section 219 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1992.
Constructed by Syte Corporation of Chicago, the project delivered: A modern, high-capacity triplex grinder pump station north of Chicago Avenue. Approximately 2,200 linear feet of 8-inch gravity sanitary sewer. Approximately 400 linear feet of 1.5-inch sanitary force main connecting directly to the airport’s existing system. This upgraded network provides the foundational infrastructure necessary to support the airport's planned cargo logistics and sort facility expansion, unlocking new economic potential for regional freight and commerce.
Breaking Ground: Storm and Sanitary Rehabilitation Following the ribbon-cutting, leaders break ground on the next phase of collaboration: the Storm and Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation project.
This upcoming project represents another significant Section 219 investment. The rehabilitation scope includes: Comprehensive sewer line cleaning and televising. Targeted replacement of existing 15-inch sewer lines and extensive sewer lining. Rehabilitation of manholes, storm structures, and paving work. Critical pump replacements and winter-ready deicing system upgrades at two existing lift stations.
A Legacy of Collaboration
Dan Vicari, Executive Director of the Gary/Chicago International Airport, emcees the event, which features remarks from Congressman Frank Mrvan, Gary Mayor Eddie Melton, and representatives from the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC).
“Today, we are celebrating another signature investment in the Gary/Chicago International Airport and another important step forward for Gary and all of Northwest Indiana,” said Congressman Mrvan. “The long-term vision and determination of GCIA’s leadership, combined with action at the local, state, and federal levels, is creating real economic development, good-paying jobs, and new opportunities for our communities. I thank the GCIA leadership, Mayor Melton, and our city officials for their tireless commitment to seeing this airport reach its full potential. Let’s continue building on this success and show what is possible when local, state, and federal partners clearly communicate, collaborate, and take action on behalf of the workers, families, and communities of Northwest Indiana.”
By coordinating resources and expediting project delivery, USACE and its partnering agencies continue modernizing Gary/Chicago International Airport's infrastructure into a resilient, transportation hub.
| Date Taken: | 09.08.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 09.08.2026 12:23 |
| Story ID: | 574085 |
| Location: | GARY, INDIANA, US |
| Web Views: | 16 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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