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Washington, D.C. – Congressman Pete Visclosky today announced that he has secured $23,418,500 to fuel Northwest Indiana’s economy. The funding is for a broad range of economic development, transportation, water, energy, environment, and healthcare projects intended to stimulate economic growth. It is included in the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday.
“The time is now to take positive action to revitalize Northwest Indiana’s economy,” said Visclosky. “These many projects all engender economic growth and will help Northwest Indiana recover from the recession. They will put people to work now and lay the foundation for a new era of success.”
$6.9 million for Transportation Infrastructure and Economic Development Projects
Visclosky secured funding for an array of transportation infrastructure projects, highlighted by $5 million for the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District’s (NICTD) South Shore Line capital reinvestment plan. The funding will help NICTD continue to design and build new centralized traffic control and power distribution systems. The improvements will help NICTD increase operational flexibility and reliability, and enlarge capacity to meet increases in demand. Last year Visclosky secured $4.9 million for NICTD’s capital reinvestment plan.
“The South Shore Line provides an important link from Northwest Indiana to the high-paying jobs and vibrant economic activity in downtown Chicago,” said Visclosky. “Improving NICTD’s infrastructure enables it to expand its role in connecting people to employment opportunities and generating economic activity for the region.”
“Congressman Visclosky's continued support helps to keep our trains running on time,” said NICTD General Manager Jerry Hanas. “This funding could not have come at a more critical time for our project. We are excited to move ahead on the portion between Michigan City and Gary.”
The measure also includes funding for $237,500 for the Gary/Chicago International Airport alternatives analysis to consider options for connecting the South Shore Line with the proposed new terminal at the airport.
“I want to thank and congratulate the Congressman for his continued support and vision to know that the airport is the engine that will make Northwest Indiana turn,” said Gary Mayor Rudy Clay.
In addition to support for the South Shore Line, the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act includes funding for roads, trails, and sidewalks. Hobart will receive $475,000 for improvements to 61st Avenue that are designed to support a medical and professional office development and stimulate development of underutilized properties on both sides of the street. Portage will receive $475,000 for improvements to Central Avenue that will reduce congestion on the critical East-West connector road and provide system linkage for pedestrians and cyclists. Whiting will receive $475,000 for bike and pedestrian trails to create a trail network that enhances access to the Lake Michigan shoreline and other recreation areas within the community. The South Haven area in Porter County will receive $237,500 for an economic development initiative to construct sidewalks near schools, parks, and other youth-oriented facilities in order to improve safety and quality of life.
“An efficient transportation system supports economic activity and growth,” said Visclosky. “Whether it stimulates real estate investment, helps move goods across town, or makes an area a nicer, safer place to live, good roads, sidewalks, and trails produce real economic results.”
“This funding is another example of Congressman Visclosky reaching out and meeting the needs of the communities he serves,” said Hobart Mayor Brian Snedecor. “It’s infrastructure projects like this that are vital to the growth and stability of communities such as Hobart.”
“The citizens of Portage and I are very appreciative of the Congressman’s support in helping us to acquire federal funding for Central Avenue road improvements,” said Portage Mayor Olga Velazquez. “It is greatly needed.”
“This funding is good news for the people of Whiting,” said Whiting Mayor Joe Stahura. “It will allow us to improve public access to our Lake Michigan shoreline and public parks and make Whiting an even better place to live. Congressman Visclosky's support of our efforts is much appreciated.”
“The Congressman has always supported our sidewalks project in South Haven,” said Porter County Board of Commissioners President Bob Harper. “The funds are badly needed and we appreciate the support.”
Over $13.5 million for Water Infrastructure Projects
The Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act also includes funding for $13,586,000 in water infrastructure projects across Northwest Indiana that Visclosky secured. In addition to the $24 million for the Little Calumet River Flood Control and Recreation Project that Visclosky announced earlier this week, the Burns Waterway Small Boat Harbor will receive $1,450,000, Indiana Harbor will receive $11,371,000, and the Grand Calumet River will receive $765,000.
“These projects will enhance public health and safety, improve our environment, and encourage economic expansion in Northwest Indiana,” said Visclosky. “Good water infrastructure facilitates growth by improving the quality of life in an area and attracting investment and economic activity.”
The funding for the Burns Waterway Small Boat Harbor will be used to dredge the approach channel, inner harbor, and river. At present, natural sediment is clogging the waterway and impeding the flow of boat traffic. The dredged channel will allow recreational boaters to smoothly and safely navigate the waterway and draw more people to the recently opened Portage Lakefront Park, a Marquette Plan project. Improving the navigability of the channel will help spur economic development at and around the harbor. Last year Visclosky secured $60,000 for the project.
“Certainly, improving recreation and quality of life issues are important to Portage residents, as well as opportunities for economic development,” said Mayor Velazquez. “This funding will help to achieve all of these goals. We appreciate all that Congressman Visclosky does to advocate for Northwest Indiana residents.”
The funding for Indiana Harbor will be used for environmental cleanup efforts, with $8,390,000 going toward the Confined Disposal Facility and $2,981,000 going toward operations and management. The funding for the facility will help continue the ambient air monitoring and the operation of the groundwater treatment plant, complete construction of the groundwater gradient control system, and construction of the permanent waste water treatment plant. Last year Visclosky secured $18,480,000 million for the project.
The funding for the Grand Calumet River will go to study environmental dredging options. The funding will be used to complete the feasibility study for the project, which is intended to improve water quality and enhance the aquatic and terrestrial habitats along the river. Last year Visclosky secured $895,000 for the project.
Over $2.9 million to Fuel Northwest Indiana’s Economy
Additionally, the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act contains $2,932,500 that Visclosky secured for other pro-growth projects. $1.6 million will go toward combating shoreline erosion in the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore (IDNL), Munster will receive $951,500 to convert waste to energy, and Northwest Indiana’s community health centers will receive $381,000 for the procurement of medical equipment.
“Economic recovery is not just about building things, but also about facilitating an environment that attracts economic activity, embraces new ideas, and allows people to optimize their efficiency,” said Visclosky. “These investments in the Lakeshore, in new energy technology, and in our health and wellbeing are important components to building a new economy in Northwest Indiana with a healthy, productive workforce.”
The funding for the IDNL will be used to prevent shoreline erosion and maintain the beaches and dunes within the park, including Mount Baldy. Harbor structures outside of the IDNL interrupt the natural movement of sand within the park and accelerate the erosion of the beaches and dunes. The funding will be used to combat the accelerated erosion by strategically placing additional sand on the beaches and dunes. Maintaining the dunes not only preserves the unique ecosystem, but also maintains a major economic engine for the region. According the National Park Service’s most recent figures, 2.1 million people visit the IDNL each year, generating $55.3 million in local revenues. Last year Visclosky secured $984,000 to prevent shoreline erosion in the IDNL.
“Save the Dunes Council is certainly very happy that the Congressman has obtained funding for one of the most important places in the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore,” said Executive Director Tom Anderson. “Mount Baldy is a vital landmark for the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and this project will help protect that property for current and future generations.”
The funding for Munster will be used to construct and equip a methane gas cogeneration plant at Centennial Park. The cogeneration plant will convert methane gas from waste and refuse at the capped landfill into electricity for both the park and the local power grid, providing an environmentally-friendly source of local energy. By tapping a renewable resource for energy generation, Munster is positioning itself at the leading edge of an emerging industry. Last year Visclosky secured $1,970,000 for the Munster cogeneration project.
“The Town of Munster is very grateful for Congressman Visclosky’s leadership role in helping to obtain this funding for our methane cogeneration project,” said Munster Town Councilman Helen Brown. “It’s this kind of project that will help us to more efficiently use energy in the future and we appreciate his recognition of that fact, and of the Town of Munster.”
The funding for Northwest Indiana’s community health centers will go toward the purchase of important medical equipment. By purchasing the equipment jointly, the community health centers are able to defray costs and more effectively meet the healthcare needs of Northwest Indiana. Community health centers serve the under- and uninsured through efforts to overcome the many impediments people face while trying to access healthcare. By increasing access to quality care to keep people healthy, the community health centers help people stay in the workforce, engage in economic activity, and lead productive lives.
“This again demonstrates Congressman Visclosky’s dedication to the healthcare of the uninsured and underinsured in Northwest Indiana,” said NorthShore Health Centers CEO Jan Wilson. “I’m just really proud that he’s our Congressman. He is the champion of healthcare in Northwest Indiana.” |
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