Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson today hosted the Indiana Interim Study Committee on Commerce and Economic Development at the Gary/Chicago International Airport. The Committee, chaired by Representative Robert Morris, convened to explore economic development opportunities in Gary in accordance with Senate Resolution 24.
Authored by Senator Eddie Melton, Senate Resolution 24 was introduced in the Indiana General Assembly in February 2018 and requested the legislative council to assign an Interim Study Commission to explore underutilized economic resources of Gary and look at economic development opportunities with a focus on the Gary/Chicago International Airport, Buffington Harbor and the Lakefront corridor.
Mayor Freeman-Wilson provided the Committee an overview of the city’s economic development work to date and plans moving forward. The Mayor discussed the public and private investments made at the airport and how the investments have resulted in growth and increased revenue.
Additionally, the Mayor talked about the opportunity for industrial development in the Buffington Harbor area because of the proximity of rail, highways and air. The legislators were very engaged and acknowledged the importance of development in Gary and the benefit for local residents and the entire state of Indiana.
Following the afternoon meeting, the study group also had an opportunity to tour each of the three focus areas. Senate Resolution 24 was co-authored by Senator Ed Charbonneau and Senator Lonnie Randolph.
