EDITORIAL: Attract state traction for double tracks for South Shore

Indiana Economic Development Corp. President Jim Schellinger is a clear supporter of the proposal to add a second set of tracks between Gary and Michigan City. Without the double tracks, riders can be forced to wait on a siding while another train travels the opposite direction.

At the Lake County Economic Alliance's Fall Economic Update in Merrillville recently, Schellinger said Indiana needs projects like improved commuter rail access to Chicago to attract Millennials to Northwest Indiana. That's a key point.

"The No. 1 economic threat to our state is population scarcity," Schellinger said.

"The only reason our population goes up is because our birth rate outpaces our death rate. We're a migration state. We need to get kids in here, and get them to stay. We need to keep the kids that are here."

Schellinger called the double-tracking project "a critical thing," even though it isn't one of the top three candidates in the IEDC's Regional Cities Initiative competition.

"Getting the rail taken care of, the South Shore, is probably the best economic driver, the single best economic driver of all seven proposals," he said. "I tell you, we're going to turn over every single stone to make sure the South Shore gets funded. I give you my word on that."

The extra set of tracks will reduce travel time between Michigan City and Chicago to 60 minutes, putting Michigan City within commuting distance. That opens big possibilities for that area to attract Millennials and others who want easy access to commuter rail service. It also is one more lure for tourism and new businesses.

It’s encouraging to see Schellinger’s clear support for Northwest Indiana’s project to add an additional set of tracks between Gary and Michigan City. It shows the message being voiced in Northwest Indiana is being heard where it counts downstate.

Now let’s get this to translate into state funding so the project can go forward and the clear benefits can begin.