Two Northwest Indiana cities and a regional planning agency have been awarded federal funds to develop programs and policies focused on eliminating roadway deaths.
Michigan City, Whiting and the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) were selected as recipients in the latest round of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant program.
In total, Michigan City is receiving a grant of $80,000, Whiting $200,000, and NIRPC $400,000 to craft municipal or regional safety action plans aimed at preventing street and highway fatalities, which data show exceeded 40,000 deaths nationwide in 2023.
The grant program was established as part of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that was backed by Northwest Indiana U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, but opposed by every Republican representing the Hoosier State in Congress, including Gov.-elect Mike Braun during his tenure in the Senate.
"Congratulations to the leaders of Michigan City, Whiting, and NIRPC for your dedicated efforts to secure this funding to improve roadway safety in our Region. I will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to work to upgrade our infrastructure and keep our communities safe," Mrvan said.
Ty Warner, NIRPC executive director, said his organization is thrilled to receive the grant in partnership with the leadership of Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties.
"The regional safety action plan to be developed with these funds will reduce fatal and severe crashes through the Region. While (our) focus is on unincorporated areas of the counties, the regional strategies will benefit all the Region's cities and towns," Warner said.
"A prime benefit of undertaking this plan at the regional level is that it will make every community in Northwest Indiana eligible to apply for federal implementation grants to fund projects that improve safety for their residents."
Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch likewise is enthusiastic about the opportunity to prevent roadway deaths in her community.
"Creating safe, walkable neighborhoods is a priority for Michigan City. This funding will help us to proactively plan for the future and implement a comprehensive safety strategy for our sidewalks and roads," Deuitch said.
Whiting Mayor Steve Spebar credited Mrvan for helping establish the grant program and thanked Mrvan for his assistance in securing funding for Whiting.
"The city of Whiting is grateful for Congressman Mrvan’s support and assistance in this grant award. We look forward to the opportunity to develop a comprehensive traffic safety action plan which protects our students, residents and visitors as they travel on our streets, bike paths, and public ways," Spebar said.
Prior Northwest Indiana recipients of the Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant include Burns Harbor, Crown Point, East Chicago, Gary, Hammond, Merrillville, Portage and Valparaiso.
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