“The funding for these projects will not only help improve the quality of life for the people of Northwest Indiana, but also will help local governments offset the cost of advancing these critical initiatives,” said Visclosky.

Investing in Our Lakeshore

The $2 million for the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore will help the program tasked with preserving and restoring Indiana’s lakeshore.  The funding for the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore fits into Visclosky’s vision for investing in Lake Michigan to improve the area’s economic and recreational opportunities.

“Everyday, our position on Lake Michigan becomes more valuable,” said Visclosky, who has championed lakeshore restoration through his Marquette Plan. “When we invest in the future of our lakeshore, we are investing in the future of Northwest Indiana.”

In order for the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore to realize its authorized boundaries, it is necessary to acquire additional land. Overall, the total number of remaining acres within the National Lakeshore boundary that has yet to be acquired totals approximately 4,300 acres.

Once the appropriations bill is signed into law, the total amount of funding for land acquisition at the IDNL that Visclosky has secured will be $31.368 million.  The federal government has not appropriated funds for land acquisition within the National Lakeshore since 2003. 

Garry Traynham, Acting Superintendent of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, says the funding comes at a critical time for the organization.  “Thanks to Congressman Visclosky, the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore will have funding to continue acquiring critical parcels of land, especially hardship properties. The purchase of these congressionally authorized lands will allow the National Lakeshore to realize its full potential in preserving the Indiana Dunes.”

IDNL was authorized by Congress in 1966, and runs for nearly 15 miles along southern Lake Michigan, bordered by Michigan City, Indiana on the east, and Gary on the west. In 1986 and 1992, Congressman Visclosky authored legislation to expand the Dunes, resulting in the addition of more than 2,000 acres to the National Lakeshore. The park contains approximately 15,000 acres, 2,182 of which are located in Indiana Dunes State Park and managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. 

In addition to the funding for the Dunes, Visclosky was also able to secure $500,000 for water and sewer infrastructure improvements in Merrillville. Shawn Pettit, President of the Merrillville Town Council, says, “This funding will help to offset the cost of installing water mains to areas of the town currently have wells intermingling with the septic system.  Because of Congressman Visclosky’s leadership, Merrillville will be able to improve our infrastructure, we will improve the health of our citizens, and we will spend less local money to do so.”

The Interior Appropriations Bill also includes $100,000 for the restoration of St. Joseph’s Theatre at St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer. St. Joseph’s President, Ernest R. Mills III, said the support at the federal level is greatly appreciated. “The theatre is a remarkable facility. We are grateful for the help and support of Congressman Visclosky in securing funding.”