“From commuter rail, to road improvements, to new recreational trails, the funding for these projects are an investment in building the infrastructure that will allow the people of Northwest Indiana to have access to good-paying jobs and an improved quality of life,” said Visclosky. The funding for the Northwest Indiana projects are part of the FY 2008 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill, which was passed by the House today. 

Investing in Commuter Rail

In the legislation, NICTD will receive $5 million for the South Shore Commuter Rail Capital Investment Plan. The South Shore Line is a major contributor to the economic engine of Northwest Indiana, operating more than 12,800 trains and carrying more than 4.2 million passengers annually to the good-paying jobs and economic opportunities in Chicago. The South Shore is uniquely positioned in the heart of Chicago’s Loop within easy access to approximately 500,000 jobs, nearly doubling the job base of Lake and Porter counties.

For his part, Visclosky sees this funding part as part of a larger strategy to not only improve the existing rail line, but also to make progress on the expansion of the South Shore. “The South Shore Rail Line is part of building a new economy in Northwest Indiana, and we have an opportunity to enhance and expand this economic engine,” said Visclosky. “This funding will help lay the foundation for an expanded rail service by first improving the existing line.  In addition to this federal support for the South Shore, a long-term non-federal funding source should be identified to ensure the expansion moves ahead quickly.”

“NICTD is pleased to see a continued federal investment for our rail services. This funding is critical to ensuring that key infrastructure is improved as well as moving forward with the West Lake Expansion to meet the growing travel demands in Northern Indiana,” said Gerald Hanas, General Manager of NICTD. “Congressman Visclosky is a true champion of transit and his support in Washington is making a positive impact in Northwest Indiana.”

Specifically, this funding will enable NICTD to continue with the designing and building of new centralized traffic control and power distribution systems.  These two projects will improve operational flexibility and reliability; while the signal project will have the added benefit of increasing track capacity to accommodate escalating demand.  The signal project will provide full, centralized traffic control of the passenger line using state-of-the-art microprocessor-based systems to support the signal network. 

Northwest Indiana Transportation and Recreation Projects

Also included in the legislation is $1.1 million to align 45^th Street and Calumet Avenue in Munster. By allowing this east-west thoroughfare to be aligned, traffic congestion and train interruptions will be greatly reduced.  To date, including the funding in this legislation, Visclosky has secured $1.6 million for this project.

Indiana District 12 State Representative Mara Candelaria Reardon, said the project is a welcome initiative. “When pedestrian access, air quality, public safety, and economic development can be improved, it is an indication of a well planned redevelopment activity. This effort is consistent with Congressman Visclosky's continued vision of improving the quality of life in Northwest Indiana.”

            Visclosky also secured $400,000 for improvements and updates to bike trails in the Town of Highland. The funding will be used to provide lighting and other improvements for the Highland portion of the Erie Lackawanna Trail, a multi-town bike trail.

            In South Haven, Visclosky was able to secure $300,000 for sidewalks and streetscape improvements in this Porter County community. This funding would be used to construct sidewalks near schools, parks and other youth-oriented facilities in the community. “In South Haven, we have parks, schools and other facilities for children, but we don’t have enough sidewalks,” said Jeremy Rivas, the Chairman of the South Haven Safety Task Force. “Thanks to Congressman Visclosky’s efforts, South Haven will now have additional funds for sidewalks in areas where our children play and ride their bikes.”

            Also included in the legislation is $250,000 to go to the Town of Winfield to study improvements to 109^th Avenue. With a new I-65 interchange planned for 109^th Avenue, the funding will be used by the Town of Winfield to study what the town can do to improve a three mile stretch of 109^th Avenue. 

Visclosky also secured $200,000 for Rohrman Park in Schererville. This funding will be used for park expansion and improvements, including improvements to the athletic fields in the park.