Story ID: 
Indiana's KGYY Acquires Nearby Reliever Airport
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: Griffith-Merrillville Airport offers a 4,900-foot runway and a modern terminal
Word Count: 224
Indiana’s Gary/Chicago International Airport (KGYY) has purchased nearby Griffith-Merrillville Airport (05C), a privately owned general aviation airfield in Lake County, for $1.8 million. The transaction—in process since late last year—was funded via KGYY’s locally generated revenue.
“We are excited to acquire this local airport and bolster our short- and long-term aviation offerings,” said GCIA Authority chairman Pete Visclosky. “This past decade of strong planning, investments, and growth of our airport has put us in a position where we can acquire this new asset, helping sustain our local aviation offerings while building for the future as well.”
05C features a 4,900-foot runway and can handle aircraft with a dual wheel load of up to 50,000 pounds. It was completely rebuilt in 2001 and offers more than 175,000 sq ft of ramp area and a modern 38,000-sq-ft terminal. Griffith Aviation, the lone FBO, will remain privately operated. According to the GCIA, the purchase will provide operational flexibility and open avenues for future infrastructure improvements at 05C.
“Griffith-Merrillville is a key reliever airport in the Indiana Aviation System,” explained Marty Blake, director of the state’s Department of Transportation. “GCIA’s acquisition will allow for continued partnership with our office to improve facilities at Griffith/Merrillville and will reinforce the $21 million regional annual economic impact this airport provides.”