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Washington, D.C. – Congressman Pete Visclosky today announced that the U.S. House of Representatives approved $3.65 million for four road and trail projects in Northwest Indiana that improve safety, encourage economic growth, and create jobs. The funding is included in the Fiscal Year 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill.
“These investments in Northwest Indiana’s infrastructure will improve public safety, encourage economic growth, and raise our quality of life,” said Visclosky. “Not only will they have a lasting impact on the region, but they will also create near-term construction jobs that will help us get our economy going again. Now is the time to invest in ourselves and these projects will help fuel success in Northwest Indiana.”
The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) is slated to receive $2 million for the South Shore Commuter Rail Capital Reinvestment Plan. Specifically, NICTD will use the funding to continue to design and build new centralized traffic control and power distribution systems that will increase operational flexibility and reliability, and enlarge capacity to meet increases in demand. NICTD operates more than 12,800 trains annually carrying more than 4.2 million passengers to high paying Chicago jobs. Riders return in excess of $225 million in salaries and wages to Northwest Indiana. To maintain this service, the 75-year-old signal and power distribution systems must be replaced.
“NICTD could not be more grateful for the Congressman's steadfast support,” said NICTD General Manager Jerry Hanas. “The funding in the House bill represents service reliability back home and that's what really matters for our riders. Whether it’s taking the train to the office, a doctors appointment or a ball game, the bottom line for our customers is that we get them there on time. Congressman Visclosky is working to make sure that happens.”
Crown Point is slated to receive $900,000 for improvements to North Street. The funding will help improve and widen North Street/109th Avenue between Interstate 65 and State Road 53. This project will be executed in anticipation of the new interchange off of I-65 and the new traffic that the interchange will generate. Work will include removal of the existing roadway, rehabilitation of the road sub-grade, replacement of pavement, and installation of appropriate storm water infrastructure in order to improve traffic interconnectivity and reduce congestion.
“I would like to thank Congressman Visclosky for his continued commitment to the advancement of transportation in Northwest Indiana,” said Crown Point Mayor David Uran. “This funding will allow for the completion of a vision shared by the Congressman and the city for immediate access to Interstate 65 for our residents and businesses. This funding will allow the city to complete its portion of necessary road construction on 109th Avenue leading to the new interchange, that otherwise would have cost the city great time and expense to complete. I am grateful for the Congressman’s understanding of the magnitude of this additional interchange on regional transportation and the necessity of completing improvements on the access road to this interchange. His work on this project will benefit this community and region for a very long time.”
Porter County is slated to receive $500,000 for the Dunes-Kankakee Trail. The funding will be used by the Porter County Board of Commissioners to construct approaches and crossings for the Dunes-Kankakee Trail near the intersection of U.S Highway 20 and State Road 49. This project will be one of the first steps in constructing a valuable north-south link in the existing regional trail system, expanding the recreational opportunities for those residing on or visiting the southern shore of Lake Michigan. Further, the trail’s connection with the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore will allow more visitors to access this national treasure by providing an alternative to the overcrowded parking lots at the site.
“We’re happy that the Congressman got the money and hopeful that the project goes forward,” said Porter County Commissioner Bob Harper.
Schererville is slated to receive $250,000 to extend Oak Street from Kennedy Avenue to U.S. Highway 41. The project would entail engineering for grade separation of a single railroad track, road widening, and identifying right-of-way in order to create a much needed through street that alleviates congestion on U.S. 41 and encourages new development in the area.
“It’s always been our dream to have another connection between Kennedy and U.S. 41,” said Schererville Town Manager Bob Volkmann. “Certainly, this is a great first step for us, to get the preliminary engineering done. It’s great news for Schererville, great news for local retail development, and a step in the right direction to relieve traffic congestion on U.S. 41.”
The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill must be approved by the Senate before it can be signed into law by the President. |
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