U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-1st, announced Tuesday that the proposed extension of the South Shore commuter line has obtained sufficient local funding pledges, either approved or expected, to allow the project to move forward, calling it a “seminal moment.”
“We can mark a solid step taken toward implementing this multi-generational investment in Northwest Indiana,” Visclosky said in a statement. “Expanded passenger service remains several years in the future. We must therefore continue to move with all deliberate speed to finalize funding commitments and submit the initial application.”
Visclosky had circled March 31 as the deadline for funding commitments from Lake County communities, but the process has taken a bit longer.
The 8-mile extension would run south from Hammond along the abandoned Monon Corridor to Munster and Dyer and is estimated to cost between $571 million to $615 million.
Visclosky has urged Lake County municipalities to commit 34 percent of their revenue from the new county economic development income tax (CEDIT) for the local funding match. Most of the commitments will last a decade.
Officially, 10 communities, Lake County, the Regional Development Authority and the Indiana General Assembly have signed onto the project.
The Merrillville Redevelopment Commission voted 4-0 Tuesday to recommend that the town council set aside 22 percent of its CEDIT money each year for the South Shore extension. The council will likely vote on the matter at its April 8 meeting.
On April 7, the East Chicago and Crown Point city councils are scheduled to consider making the financial commitment. Several communities have yet to announce a decision, including Hammond, Gary, Cedar Lake, New Chicago, Lowell, St. John and Merrillville.
As of Tuesday, the Regional Development Authority has dedicated $8 million per year to the project; Munster has dedicated $279,623 per year; Dyer $53,000; Griffith $20,000; Highland $114,883; Hobart $171,000; Lake Station $69,120; Schererville $212,000; Whiting $101,892; Winfield $15,347; and Lake County $2.14 million. The Indiana General Assembly closed a tax loophole that directs $4 million annually toward operating the train line.
Carrie Napoleon contributed to this report.