Visclosky, who is the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, worked closely with the Administration and the Army Corps of Engineers to secure funding for the projects. Originally passed by the House in May of 2006, the projects were at risk of not receiving funding this year because the Administration and last year’s Congress failed to complete the appropriations bills that fund the federal government.

“These projects have real value for the people, the environment, and the economy of Northwest Indiana.  People will be removed from the flood plain, our lakefronts are being enhanced, and we are working for the restoration of our local environment,” said Visclosky. “Where we could have had a year-long funding delay, we now will have investments made in projects that will add to our quality of life.”

Federal Funding for Indiana Harbor Confined Disposal Facility

The Indiana Harbor in East Chicago will receive the bulk of the announced funding, with $20.25 million going for the construction of a Confined Disposal Facility (CDF). In May of 2005, Visclosky announced that the federal government will pay the full amount for the CDF, relieving East Chicago taxpayers of the $40 million local expense. The project fits into Visclosky’s vision to restore the south shore of Lake Michigan, known as the Marquette Plan, which will attract new jobs, new businesses, and improve the quality of life in Northwest Indiana by improving public access along the lakefront.  Further, the construction of the facility will have significant environmental benefits for Northwest Indiana.

“Because there is full federal funding for this facility, Northwest Indiana’s environment will be cleaner, and it will be completed faster – all while saving local taxpayer dollars,” said Visclosky. “The Indiana Harbor is one of Northwest Indiana’s environmental hotspots, and because we are working now to restore the area, future generations will have an improved quality of life.  These investments in our environment and in the Marquette Plan are key to building a new economy in Northwest Indiana.”

Additionally, the Indiana Harbor will also receive $550,000 for operation, maintenance and dredging.

Northwest Indiana Flood Control

            Of the funding, $14 million was secured for the Little Calumet flood control project, which includes 22 miles of levees and flood walls to protect the 11,500 homes in Gary, Griffith, Hammond, Highland and Munster. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, flooding on the Little Calumet River creates $11 million in damages annually. This project will help protect citizens and property for years to come, preserve 550 acres of wetlands, and create 17 miles of hiking trails.

            Additionally, $4 million was secured for the Cady Marsh Ditch project, which is a flood control project in Griffith, Highland, and unincorporated Lake County. This $4 million should be enough to complete the Cady Marsh Ditch project.

            “Too many people are in the flood plain, and the time is past due to finish the Little Calumet Flood Control project,” said Congressman Visclosky.  “Completion of the flood control projects in Northwest Indiana should be a top priority for all parties involved.”

Lakeshore and Environmental Enhancement

Several projects benefiting Northwest Indiana lakes also will receive funding.  Wolf Lake in Hammond will receive $800,000 for environmental restoration, which includes the reconstruction of wetlands and aquatic habitats.  Wolf Lake’s eroded shoreline has been a detriment to many species, and the continuation of this project is of prime environmental concern.  Restoration of Wolf Lake will provide additional recreational opportunities, such as fishing and boating, for everyone in Northwest Indiana. To date, Visclosky has secured $4.8 million for the Wolf Lake project.

Congressman Visclosky also secured $1 million to fund operations at the Indiana Shoreline Erosion Project along the Indiana Dunes.  For many years, the natural movement of sand along the lakeshore has been interrupted, causing accelerated erosion of the beach and dunes.  The continuation of this project is necessary to slow the erosion and reverse its effects to protect the beaches for future generations. 

Cedar Lake, will receive $180,000 for environmental improvements, including deepening the lake and restoring its natural ecosystem. Visclosky has secured $680,000 since 2004 for Cedar Lake.

“Investing in Northwest Indiana’s lakes and shorelines will improve our local environment and provide the quality of life opportunities that attract and retain jobs and businesses in Northwest Indiana,” said Visclosky, who has long been a champion of lakeshore enhancement under his Marquette Plan.

            Visclosky was also able to secure $3.59 million for Burns Waterway Harbor in Porter County for continued operation and maintenance. To date, Visclosky has secured $27.755 million for this project. Burns Harbor is major economic engine for Northwest Indiana, having handled a record $820 million of cargo in 2006.

            Also receiving funding is the Grand Calumet River, which will get $550,000 for a feasibility study to determine how best to conduct clean-up activities.