The Gary Airport Authority awarded $2.85 million in contracts Wednesday to four local companies for work on its newest hangar on the airport’s east side.
Executive director Dan Vicari said the hangar was expected to be completed in about nine months. He said a tenant was interested, but a lease hasn’t been finalized.
Meanwhile, the $12 million hangar leased to Wingtip Aviation, in Valparaiso, is expected to be completed in late summer.
On the newest hangar, the authority awarded a general trades contract to Hasse Construction, Calumet City, Illinois, for $1,017,600. A $369,620 award went to Ryan Fire Protection, Valparaiso; a $802,700 mechanical contract went to Gatlin Plumbing, Griffith; and a $669,000 electrical contract was awarded to Continental Electric, Gary.
Vicari said multiple bids were offered on each project.
In other business, Christopher Koznicki, vice president of B. Coleman Aviation, one of two fixed-based operators at the airport, read a letter from Juliet Jordan, managing director of industry affairs and innovation for the National Aviation Business Advocates.
The letter voiced concern that B. Coleman Aviation experienced challenges and potential financial stress due to the airport’s collection of landing and parking fees.
The airport’s contract calls for the collection of the fees.
NATA asked the airport authority to evaluate and reconsider the charging of parking fees on private tenant leaseholds.
After the meeting, Vicari said officials would meet with B. Coleman representatives on the matter.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
