GARY, Ind. (AP) _ The new private operator of the Gary/Chicago International Airport is looking to jumpstart its stalled runway extension project.

A major hurdle facing the project is removal of railroad embankment that is blocking a 1,900-foot extension of the airport's main 7,000-foot runway so it can handle larger planes.

Aviation Facilities Co. vice president Steve Forrer tells The Times of Munster will put its own engineers and consultants on the job. The airport must reach agreements for moving the tracks near the airport near Lake Michigan.

The Gary Airport Authority last week approved a 40-year contract with the company for real estate development at the facility.

The Federal Aviation Administration has said the airport's current runway lacks adequate safety areas and will have to be shortened if the extension isn't completed.