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Michigan City Airport reports modest growth and outlines $30 million funding gap for runway extension
Summary
Airport Manager Jessica Ward told the council the municipal airport sold about 51,390 gallons of fuel in 2024 and that the planned runway extension to 5,001 feet is about 80% designed but short roughly $30 million after inflation and rising construction costs.
Jessica Ward, Michigan City Airport manager, presented the airport’s 2025 annual report to the Common Council on March 18, reporting modest revenue gains, capital grants and an urgent funding need to extend the runway.
Ward told the council the airport sold about 51,389.8 gallons of fuel in 2024 — a 3% increase from 2023 — and reported 2024 operating revenue of $259,875.16. She said the airport received federal Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grants for runway crack sealing and surface treatment, and an ELTF eligibility approval that will reimburse 50% of a planned above‑ground aviation fuel tank replacement.
The largest item on the airport’s list is a runway extension that would lengthen the field from 4,100 feet to 5,001 feet by building a runway bridge over Highway 20. “Five thousand and one is a special number because all the jets that we have flying into the airport right now … their insurance won’t cover them if they’re on a runway less than 5,000 feet,” Ward said. She told the council the airport is about 80% through design and has completed required land acquisition but is waiting for federal construction funds; she said inflation has increased project costs by about 44 percent since 2020.
When asked how much remains to be raised, Ward told Councilman Prince Belinski, “Oh, about $30,000,000.” She said the city already has contributed local match dollars for earlier phases and that the airport plans to pursue other federal and state funding sources and grants while she pursues grant‑writing training.
Ward also noted several operational accomplishments in 2024, including a new snow‑removal equipment (SRE) building, upgraded automated weather observation equipment, renewed operating agreements for the skydive and flight‑school tenants, and a negotiated above‑ground fuel tank project expected to be partially reimbursed. She described airport tenants and activities including Skydive Windy City Chicago, FlightSaga flight school and PAW Aviation maintenance services.
Council members praised the airport’s operations and asked about funding prospects. Ward said the airport will pursue multiple funding sources and continue planning while seeking grant dollars to fill the funding gap.
The presentation did not require a council vote; council members encouraged staff to continue seeking grants and said they would consider future budget actions.
