GARY, Ind. (AP) — The city of Gary's effort to a public-private partnership at its airport near Chicago is drawing interest from developers, major investment companies and others.

The Times of Munster and the Post-Tribune of Merrillville report a pre-bid meeting Friday drew 29 companies, including representatives of Chicago real estate baron Elzie Higginbottom, as well as companies involved in aviation, urban planning, real estate management and environmental design. Those were in addition to companies that signaled interest last month in responding to a request for preliminary proposals.

The airport has long sought to become Chicago's “third airport,” handling overflow from Midway and O'Hare airports.

All proposals are due by August 26th. The airport hopes to select a winning bidder by the end of October.