GARY, Ind. (AP) _ The Gary-Chicago International Airport Authority wants to hire a consultant to devise an updated master plan for development.

Airport Director Dan Vicari tells The (Munster) Times (http://bit.ly/1QbmEBx) the most recent Gary airport master plan was completed in 2001. That plan called for numerous projects such as the expansion of the main runway with added safety areas. Those projects were completed this past summer after nine years of work at a total cost of $174 million.

Vicari says an updated master plan is needed because of all the changes in technology since 2001 and all the changes that have occurred at the airport.

The airport authority hopes to have a consultant in place by March.