Congressman Pete Visclosky announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) with $300,000 to implement transit-oriented development planning activities for the extension of the South Shore Railroad from Hammond to Dyer.
The funding is from the Transit-Oriented Development Planning Awards Pilot Program under the Federal Transit Administration. The grant supports various planning activities, including those related to the development of station-area plans that incorporate transit-oriented development best practices of mixed uses, design guidelines and parking requirements, multi-modal connectivity plans, and the encouragement of private sector involvement.
General Manager for NICTD, Mr. Mike Noland, stated, “This is great news. The timing on the grant award validates the commitment being made by all three communities - Munster, Dyer, and Hammond - to design stations that provide opportunities for neighborhoods to grow along the West Lake Corridor and the region to flourish. This grant will focus attention on effective planning strategies and tools that encourage livable communities. We look forward to working with the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority on this important initiative.”
Mr. Bill Hanna, President and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, said, “Well planed and implemented development around commuter rail is one of the most effective opportunities for growth and access to jobs in the Chicago economy. A strong plan that is done in partnership with and tailored to each of our communities will attract significant private investment to Northwest Indiana.”
Congressman Visclosky stated, “This Department of Transportation funding is but one piece of the many pieces that have come together to bring the extension of the South Shore Railroad closer to reality. I am thankful for the leadership and resolve of Mr. Noland and Mr. Hanna to see through this investment in the future of Northwest Indiana. I am convinced that the extension of the South Shore Railroad will spread the economic vitality of the Chicagoland area into Northwest Indiana and allow our region to become the next great economic engine of the state of Indiana.”
For additional information on the Department of Transportation grant, click here.