SEH gathering information on airport goals, proposed initiatives

BY MARISA KWIATKOWSKI
mkwiatkowski@nwitimes.com
219.662.5333 | Wednesday, August 20, 2008

CROWN POINT | SEH representative Matt Reardon told the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority Tuesday he will have a report prepared by the end of September regarding expansion of the Gary/Chicago International Airport.

The RDA selected SEH, Inc., a Munster-based consulting firm, last month to gather information regarding opportunities for developing the fledging airport.

"Our goal is to get success at Gary/Chicago airport," RDA Chairman Leigh Morris said.

Reardon told the RDA board airport officials are working closely with SEH to provide information about the airport's goals and needs.

He said SEH is reviewing the airport's master plan in light of the current market conditions.

The airport recently pulled back from an effort to get an international customs. The facility was touted as a way to bring international airlines into the struggling airport.

Board member Bill Joiner said the airport put the customs facility on hold in favor of extending the runway.

"The development of the airport is very important," board member Harley Snyder said. "I think we want to know our money is being spent appropriately."

SEH, Inc. developed a questionnaire for the airport board that will help determine advice the consultant gives to the RDA board regarding short- and long-term funding for the airport.