Including funding for the South Shore extension in the new Indiana state budget is a great victory, but now is not the time to rest on our laurels. That's only part of the funding equation.
Lake County and communities that have said they would contribute to the local match for federal South Shore extension grants must now put their money where their mouths are.
That is, they need to sign written agreements to commit to providing the money they have pledged.
As anyone who has operated a pledge drive knows, it's one thing to announce good intentions and another to actually deliver on that promise.
Communities that have yet to even make a pledge have to be convinced to put money toward the effort, too, and then sign the agreement putting it in writing.
We recognize this is a big step to take when tax caps put financial pressure on communities to continue to fund day-to-day operations.
But worrying only about the present and not planning for the future is a big mistake. And putting money toward the rail extension project is an investment that will pay big dividends. That is, after all, the value of adopting the county economic development income tax. The CEDIT was enacted for this type of game-changing investment. A third of 0.25 percent is a small amount to invest in future growth and will benefit the entire county through increased valuations and incomes.
In areas that have invested in commuter rail, the economic benefits are clear. Not only are riders given a more reliable, more convenient and less polluting commute, but investment in riders' host communities also generally follows. Transit-oriented development is a savvy investment, and communities along commuter rail lines should plan accordingly.
The tireless efforts of the Northwest Indiana legislative delegation, the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District and U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, among others, to get state funding for the RDA and the train are worthy of praise.
That is a major step toward turning this dream into a reality. With the state funding, and the necessary local funding, the federal funding should fall into place.
We're getting close; now it's time to seal the deal.
Lake County communities need to do their part to set aside the money needed for this project. Together, we will build the train tracks — and Northwest Indiana's future.