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Work On New Airport Terminal May Start This Week

Jason Miller
The News-Dispatch

MICHIGAN CITY - New general manager David Wills thinks construction on a new terminal at Michigan City Municipal Airport will begin later this week after the city signs off on a building permit.

"The bid has been accepted and a contract was awarded, and now we're just waiting for the permit," said Wills, who took over last month for now-departed manager Brian Payne. "I know they're hoping to get started later this week."

The Michigan City Board of Works signed off Monday on a letter of understanding with the city's aviation commission agreeing the city will pay $462,000 for the new building.

Michigan City Contro-ller John Schaefer said the city initially budgeted $400,000 for the project, but all bids came in above that number. Schaefer said the city agreed to add $62,000 to the budget to hit the lowest bid from J Shoffner, a general contractor from La Porte.

"That's our only responsibility," Schaefer said. "If the cost runs over, the airport must find a way on its own to pay the difference. The $62,000 will come from another project that came in under budget."

The existing terminal was built in 1986 when the airport moved from Franklin Street to its present location off Indiana 212 on Michigan City's East Side. The new building will increase office space from 1,500 square feet to 2,500 square feet and add spaces for pilots to relax and work while on the ground.

The airport also hopes to start extending its runway soon, but officials have found themselves at the tail end of the FAA funding cycle and don't have enough money to finish buying properties.

Airport officials said they don't know when the extension project will get back on track.



Contact Jason Miller at jmiller@thenewsdispatch.com.