Gary Chicago Airport

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Public Comments

To: Friends of Gary/Chicago Airport
From: Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority
RE:REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
Date: May 26, 2004

On May 25th, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation held a public workshop at the Gary/Chicago International Airport to review the current status of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). This document is required to complete prior to receiving FAA approval of the Gary/Chicago International Airport's Master Plan Development which includes runway safety area enhancement, extension of runway 12-30 and other improvements. Legislators, environmental groups, individuals visited the airport from 1:00pm-7:00 pm to review the current status of this initiative as well as to submit their comments. In addition to posting copies of the DEIS in 8 public locations (see list below), the event was publicized by the FAA in the local newspapers as well as via direct invitations. Since April 16, 2004, the public comment period on the DEIS has been open and will end on June 11, 2004. (This includes the Council on Environmental Quality's required 45 day public comment period from April 23, 3004 to June 7, 2004).

REQUEST: The public has the opportunity to demonstrate support for the Gary/Chicago Airport's Master Plan and growth opportunities by providing written comments on the DEIS no later than June 11, 2004 to Prescott C. Snyder, Airports Environmental Program Manager, Federal Aviation Administration, Airports Division.

How to comment:
For further information, written requests for DEIS and Submission of Comments:
Contact:

Prescott C. Snyder, Airports Environmental Program Manager
Federal Aviation Administration, Airports Division, Room 315
2300 East Devon Avenue
Des Plaines, Illinois 60018

Voice: 847-294-7538
Fax 847-294-7036
Email: 9-AGL-GYY-EIS-Project@faa.gov

Agency: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-Department of Transportation

Background: At the request of the Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority, the FAA is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement. The review will address specific improvements at the Gary/Chicago International Airport as identified during the 2001 Airport master plan process and the 2003 Railroad Relocation Study, and shown on the 2004 Airport Layout Plan. The following improvements have been grouped into four categories and are identified as ripe for review and decision:

1. Improvement associated with existing Runway 12-30, the primary air carrier runway at the airport, relocate the EJ&E Railroad, acquire land northwest of the airport to allow for modifications to the runway safety area, relocate the airside perimeter roadway (including providing a southwest access roadway), relocate the Runway 12-30 navaids, improve the Runway Safety Area for Runway 12, relocate the Runway 12 threshold to remove prior displacement, and acquire land southeast of the airport, located within or immediately adjacent to the runway protection zone

2. Extension of Runway 12-30 (1356 feet), relocate the Runway 12-30 navaids, extend parallel taxiway A to the new end of Runway 12, construct deicing hold pads on Taxiway A at Runway 12 and Runway 30, and develop two high-speed exit taxiways

3. Expansion of the existing passenger terminal to accommodate projected demands;

4. Analysis of sites adjacent to the extended runway for potential aviation related development, including a future new passenger terminal and air cargo area

Where to find DEIS: (may be viewed during regular business hours)

1. Gary/Chicago International Airport, 6001 West Industrial Highway, Gary, IN 46406
2. Chicago Airports District Office, Room 312, Federal Aviation Administration, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018
3. Gary Public Library, 220 West 5th Avenue, Gary, IN 46402
4. Hammond Public Library, 564 State Street, Hammond, IN 46320
5. East Chicago Main Library, 2401 East Columbus Drive, East Chicago, IN 46312
6. IU Northwest Library, 3400 Broadway, Gary, IN 46408
7. Lake County Main Library, 1919 West 81st Avenue, Merrillville, IN 46410-5382
8. Purdue Calumet Library, 2200 169th Street, Hammond, IN 46323-2094