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The Gary/Chicago International Airport (GCIA) says it is eager to debut a new Airport Rescue and Firefighting truck, afforded to the airport as a part of the $2 million in Fiscal Year 2022 Community Project Funding secured by Congressman Frank J. Mrvan (D-1st). The acquisition of a 3,000 gallon Airport Rescue and Firefighting truck and two high-speed runway brooms for snow removal was approved in August of 2022, as the majority of the airport’s existing fleet consists of equipment 20 years or older, a news release said. The airport also said the new truck will result in added safety benefits and reduce the airport’s annual maintenance expenses.
“We are grateful to Congressman Mrvan for being such a strong advocate on behalf of the airport,” said GCIA Executive Director Dan Vicari. “It’s exciting to see the Airport Rescue and Firefighting truck physically here at GCIA and ready to be used – once in operation the fire truck will expand the type of airplanes that can land at the airport. We are ready to see the growth this investment will provide.”
“The Gary/Chicago International Airport is an economic engine for the Northwest Indiana region – and Congressman Mrvan surely recognizes this,” said GCIA Authority Chairman Pete Visclosky. “His continued support does not go unnoticed. While the fire truck was secured with $2 million from FY 2022’s Community Project Funding, Congressman Mrvan also recently secured $6 million in FY 2023 Community Project Funding for further investments in airport infrastructure.”
The 3,000 gallon Airport Rescue and Firefighting truck, along with two high-speed runway brooms for snow removal totaled $932,000 and $1.3 million, respectively. The $2 million in federal funding was used towards these equipment upgrades, along with 5% in contributions from the Indiana Department of Transportation and the airport itself, the announcement said.
