Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority supports both legs of South Shore extension

BY KEITH BENMAN, Times of Northwest Indiana
kbenman@nwitimes.com

The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority has issued a statement supporting both the proposed Lowell and Valparaiso extensions of the South Shore commuter railroad.

Its statement of support comes just six weeks after the head of the commuter railroad told a legislative committee that the Lowell line will be built first because it is more likely to get federal funding.

"We just want to make sure people are aware it's a two-line extension that the RDA supports," said RDA Chairman Leigh Morris.

Morris said the RDA is aware it may be necessary to build the Lowell line first but noted the RDA considers the Valparaiso extension to be an integral part of the overall project.

The RDA is expected to be a key contributor to the $1 billion project, with legislative backers pegging the RDA contribution at $150 million.

The RDA also called on South Shore operator Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District to work with the Northwest Indiana Regional Bus Authority to coordinate train and bus service.

However, the RDA stopped short of calling for formation of a Regional Transportation Authority to run both systems, as earlier promoted by Morris.

On Thursday, Morris said it will be at least a couple of years before an RTA could be formed to run the two systems.

At the legislative hearing six weeks ago, State Rep. Chet Dobis, D-Merrillville, said Northwest Indiana is not ready to integrate South Shore service and bus service.

Dobis said he will be submitting a bill to fund the South Shore extension in the upcoming session of the Indiana General Assembly.