Jacobsen|Daniels to Update GYY Master Plan

Gary/Chicago International Airport (GYY) is taking the next step to plan for the long-term development of the airport.  The GYY Airport Authority Board voted to approve a contract with a team led by Jacobsen|Daniels and including four local northwest Indiana companies to update the airport’s Master Plan. Jacobsen|Daniels was selected over two other shortlisted firms based on its significant experience working with airports across the country to develop effective plans for the future and its commitment to local inclusion on the project team.  The Master Plan Update (MPU) will guide development at the airport for the next decade.

“Gary/Chicago International Airport is poised to take the next step forward and updating the airport’s Master Plan is a critical step in this important process,” said Airport Authority Chairman Stephen Mays.  “The team we selected today has the expertise and local understanding which will lead to the development of a strong plan for future growth and development at GYY.  Anytime we have work that needs to be done at the airport we want to use local firms, not just to create jobs, but to build a community of stakeholders invested in the success of their airport.”

The Federal Aviation Administration recommends that airport master plan studies be updated approximately every ten years. The airport’s most recent MPU was completed in 2001, and called for several major projects, including improved Runway Safety Areas, railroad and power line relocation, improved and new facilities and extending the airport’s main runway.

“We’re thrilled to have been selected to lead the Master Plan Update at Gary/Chicago International Airport,” said Jim Wilson, the Project Manager of the Jacobsen|Daniels team.  “We have put together a very capable team, including several Gary and regional firms, and we are excited to get to work.”

In November 2015, the airport issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) from firms to provide professional planning and engineering services to update the airport’s Master Plan. One factor in awarding the contract was the level of participation by local businesses.

The Airport hosted a business expo in March 2016 to allow its three shortlisted firms to meet with local companies capable of providing certain subcontracting services as part of the MPU team. More than 60 area businesses attended the expo to explore opportunities on responding teams. Attendees also registered with the airport to be considered for future work.

Jacobsen|Daniels listed four local subcontractors as part of its team, including:

• AES Services- Surveying and Engineering, Schererville, Ind.
• DataMine- Web and Graphic Design, Gary, Ind.
• Fluid Communications- Public Engagement, Merrillville, Ind.
• Forms + Funktion- Architecture, Gary, Ind.

“The completion of the Gary/Chicago International Airport Master Plan Update is of catalytic importance for economic development in Northwest Indiana as a whole, and in Gary in particular,” said Rosalyn L. Mitchell, principal of Gary architecture firm Forms + Funktion, Inc. “Forms + Funktion, Inc. is pleased to be a part of the team and contribute to the continued success of the airport.”

As part of the MPU, the project team will analyze the airport’s facilities and forecast current and future aviation demand before preparing a proposed development plan. Over the course of the project, the airport will host a series of Community Advisory Committee meetings and public workshops to report on progress and address questions from the public.

“The progress that’s been made over the past few years has created a lot of new opportunities for growth at the airport and we’re excited to begin planning for the next phase of development,” said airport executive director Dan Vicari.

The MPU is expected to be completed in late-2017.