Friday afternoon, the FAA put out their list of 149 federal airport contract towers that will close due to sequestration cutbacks. Gary was one of only two airports on the list located in Indiana, the other being in Columbus.

24 other airport towers that had been targeted as possible closures were saved because their closure would have had “a negative impact on the national interest.”

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said the decisions were tough, and that the FAA will ensure that procedures are in place to maintain the high level of safety at non-towered airports. The 4-week closure process will begin nationwide on April 7th.