GARY, Ind. (AP) – Officials at the Gary-Chicago International Airport have announced they have entered into exclusive talks with a Washington-based company to run the facility.
 
The Times of Munster and the Post-Tribune of Merrillville report the airport authority announced Friday it is negotiating with Aviation Facilities Company Inc. as the airport seeks to increase its business. The airport's ad hoc committee chairman Carrie Hightman says entering into exclusive negotiations is an important step toward the committee's goal of unlocking the value of the airport and the surrounding area to attract jobs and long-term investment.
 
The airport authority last February started looking into privatization of airport management, with the city retaining ownership. The airport hopes a private investor will pump about $100 million into the airport over a 15- to 20-year span.