GARY, Ind. - The Gary-Chicago International Airport is getting a $30 million boost toward its plans to lengthen its main runway so that it can handle larger planes.

The Gary airport board voted Wednesday to approve a grant agreement with the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority. Officials say that grant had been on hold while the development authority reviewed the financing for the $160 million project.

The Times and the Post-Tribune report the airport expansion plan calls for extending the 7,000-foot runway to 8,900 feet, which requires moving some nearby railroad lines. Railroad relocations and runway preparations have been going on, with the project expected to be complete by late 2013.

© Copyright 2013