The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority is key to making things happen for the region, which is why continued state funding for the RDA is the top priority on The Times Editorial Board's 2015 agenda.
The RDA is a facilitator, bringing together a variety of groups, not always with the same aim, to accomplish big things for the region.
We know the simple truth that what's good for the region's economy is good for the state as well. The economic muscle in Northwest Indiana strengthens the entire state's economy.
The RDA's role in that economic growth must be made clear to state lawmakers outside the region. As a catalyst for major projects, the RDA brings federal, state, local and private dollars together to advance projects that otherwise would languish.
The runway expansion project at the Gary/Chicago International Airport is a perfect example of this. The RDA has worked tirelessly to help shape smart decisions on the airport's direction as well as offering money for the project.
Many lakefront projects have been accomplished as well, advancing implementation of the Marquette Plan forged by U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky.
The next major project for the RDA should be extending the South Shore Line along the West Lake Corridor. It's a project decades in the making, and it has momentum now. Extending service to Valparaiso must ultimately happen as well.
This project requires long-range, strategic thinking. It requires a major commitment to funding, but the economic payoff will be huge. Providing easy transportation to Chicago will tap into an economy so large it dwarfs that of the state of Indiana. It's more on the scale of Sweden.
All along, the RDA has shown a strong return on investment. That's a point that needs to be driven home in the Indiana General Assembly.
Indiana has been contributing $10 million a year to the RDA since its inception. That adds to the $3.5 million annual dues paid by casino host cities in Lake County and by the county government in Lake and Porter counties. Continuing that state funding will help the RDA continue to facilitate major economic development projects that pay off for the state as well as the region.
It all boils down to this simple formula: RDA = ROI. Sell that to the General Assembly. It's our top priority for 2015.