Economist suggests NWI commuter rail shouldn't be focus of development

SCHERERVILLE -- As the second of two economic outlook seminars was wrapping up Friday afternoon, former Indiana University professor and noted economist Morton Marcus created a buzz with a controversial reference to the RDA.

The fledgling Regional Development Authority begins financial operations in Northwest Indiana on Jan. 1. One of its most ballyhooed projects is expected to be the extension of commuter rail lines from western Lake County south to Lowell and east to Valparaiso.

Marcus suggested the RDA consider transportation alternatives and not prioritize commuter rail to Chicago.

"I think the RDA could be misfocused on its links to downtown Chicago," Marcus said.

In this vein, IUN associate professor of economics Don Coffin suggested that perhaps the RDA should consider alternatives for investment until it's proven that Chicago will be a growth center that can benefit Northwest Indiana.

He said, for instance, that New Jersey now has the highest per capita personal income in the country, and that it achieved this status in the past 10 years by attracting business and investment.

The educators' comments drew mixed reactions from attendees as they left the seminar.