“This funding shows that Northwest Indiana can be home to the cutting-edge, high-technology work needed to address some of our nation’s most important issues, including confronting the energy crisis and advancing scientific research and technology,” said Visclosky. “These investments will also help create new economic opportunities in Northwest Indiana.”

The funding is part of the Consolidated Appropriations Bill (HR 2764), which the House is set to consider and pass early this week. The bill will then be sent to the Senate, and later signed into law by the President.

Reducing our Dependence on Foreign Oil

            Included in the legislation is funding for several projects that will allow Northwest Indiana to be a part of addressing the energy crisis and work to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. “In order for our country to become less reliant on foreign oil, we must invest in our existing energy resources,” said Visclosky. “These projects demonstrate that municipalities, our rural communities, and our existing natural resources can all be leveraged to make our country more energy independent.”

The Town of Munster is set to receive $1.968 million to equip and construct a methane gas cogeneration plant, which would help develop new energy alternatives by converting methane from waste and refuse into electricity for the local power grid. The project provides an opportunity for local and federal governments to work together to develop local sources of energy.

“The residents of Munster are lucky to have Congressman Visclosky as our advocate,” said Helen Brown, Munster Town Councilwoman. “The realization of this project will allow Munster to benefit from the generation of power from methane gas that would have been wasted, using a  federal investment instead of local tax dollars. We truly thank him for his support.”

Also included in the legislation is $1.476 million for a Bio-Energy Cooperative ethanol-biomass fuel plant at Fair Oaks.  This funding would go toward the development of an ethanol plant that will use cellulosic energy sourced from environmentally treated animal waste.

Investing in Science and New Technologies in Northwest Indiana

The legislation also makes investments in local science and technology initiatives, including $1.968 million for the expansion of the Purdue Technology Center of Northwest Indiana.  Expansion plans include an additional 12,000 square feet to provide space for the recruitment of new firms and the expansion of existing firms within the Purdue Technology Center of Northwest Indiana. In addition to the new area, the center currently provides 48,000 square feet for new and expanding companies. Officials of the center anticipated the possible expansion when they planned the technology center, and will be able accommodate the additional square feet upon the existing site.

The Northwest Indiana Computational Grid, which is a joint effort between Purdue University Calumet, Purdue University, Notre Dame, and the Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory, also will receive $5.904 million to continue developing a scalable, high speed, high bandwidth, science driven computational grid that enables cutting-edge scientific research.

            “The Computational Grid is a perfect example of how educational institutions can partner with federal initiatives to create the infrastructure that will build a new economy,” said Visclosky. “The end result of this effort will make Northwest Indiana home to world-class technology, and home to world-class economic opportunity.”

The Purdue Calumet Inland Water Institute will receive $492,000 under the legislation. The Water Institute will continue its research program and advance the mission of the institute, which is to conduct research, offer educational programs in water resources, and assist the private sector in economic development opportunities for water quality, efficiency and security. 

“Congressman Visclosky has been a champion for many initiatives that will bring new jobs and new cutting-edge science research to Northwest Indiana,” said Purdue University Chancellor Howard Cohen. “Purdue Calumet is proud to contribute its expertise to these projects for the benefit of our region.”

Also included in the legislation is $984,000 for a cyber security program operated by Cimcor to implement an information security system at the Department of Energy. The security system allows computer servers to detect when they have been modified in an unauthorized manner, and will automatically repair those unauthorized changes.

Environmental Infrastructure

The legislation also includes funding for several water infrastructure projects throughout Northwest Indiana. “The funding for these projects provides a foundation for attracting new economic development and new good-paying jobs to Northwest Indiana,” said Visclosky. “In order to keep and attract people to live, work and operate businesses in Northwest Indiana, we must have flood control infrastructure in place, along with clean bodies of water that will support the area’s economy.”

Visclosky’s vision to invest in the South Shore of Lake Michigan will receive $394,000 for the Army Corps of Engineers to develop guidelines on the best way to proceed with this economic development initiative.

Indiana Harbor in East Chicago will receive $17.776 million to continue 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.  Specifically, this funding will go towards a continuation of the air monitoring program, operation of the groundwater treatment plant, and construction activities for the facility.

“The full federal funding of this project makes it possible to complete the project sooner, save local taxpayer dollars, and ensure the health and safety of the people of Northwest Indiana,” said Visclosky.

The Indiana Harbor will also receive $704,000. This funding will support operations, condition surveys, and support of the CDF administration.

The legislation also includes $895,000 for the Grand Calumet River. The funding will complete the feasibility phase, which studies water quality and aquatic improvements.

Visclosky secured $5.392 million for operations and maintenance at the Burns Waterway Harbor International Port. This funding will allow for navigation dredging in critical areas within the harbor, complete repairs to the North Breakwater deferred from previous year, and complete condition surveys of channel, underwater reef and breakwater areas. The Burns Waterway Small Boat Harbor will also receive $60,000 for operations and maintenance.

Flood Control and Water Resources

            In the legislation, Visclosky secured $14.76 million for the Little Calumet River flood control project, which includes 22 miles of levees and flood walls to protect the citizens and businesses of 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. “To protect people’s homes, businesses, and well-being, this flood-control project cannot be completed soon enough,” said Visclosky.

A project to restore Cedar Lake’s water quality and ecosystem will receive $4.33 million under the legislation.  Currently, Cedar Lake’s degraded water quality has significantly decreased the aquatic ecosystems of the lake. Funding for the project will address dredging, erosion control, and the recreational capabilities of Cedar Lake.

Congressman Visclosky also secured $984,000 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 by harbor structures, causing accelerated erosion of the beach and dunes.  The continuation of this project is necessary to slow the erosion and protect the beaches for future generations.