By Erik Potter, Post-Tribune staff writer
Efforts to create a high-speed rail network and enhanced real-time traffic information system in Northwest Indiana got the brakes put on them today by the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority.
An RDA committee deferred consideration of $675,000 worth of funding requests from the Indiana High Speed Rail Association and 21CSI, a private company working on the traffic information system.
The high speed rail request was for $125,000 to study the impact on local economies from the creation of a high-speed rail line stretching from downtown Chicago to the Gary/Chicago Airport to Valparaiso.
Board members balked at funding the study without knowing the prospects of federal funding for the project, or whether existing railroads would agree to sharing their right-of-way with the high-speed line.
21CSI, a firm specializing in defense department contracting, put forward a $550,000 request to purchase hardware and software for use in the traffic information system it is developing.
The system is designed to alert motorists to traffic delays, and detour drivers when possible, going so far as to take control of local traffic lights to speed detoured traffic from an interstate.
RDA members decided to delay consideration of the request in order to explore the nature of the public-private partnership the project would require, as well the possibility of reimbursement of the $550,000.
Robert Wichlinski, a 21CSI executive, was frustrated by the committee's decision.
"In my mind, this was our last hope to demonstrate to (investors) the public commitment to this project."
"I was hoping the RDA would lead the charge. It was disappointing."
RDA Executive Director Tim Sanders said the decision was a common-sense one.
"The projects the (RDA) has funded to this point, they have all been public sector, infrastructure projects. This is a new thing. This requires a little bit more thought."
The RDA is a public organization charged with spurring economic development in Northwest Indiana.