Young Applauds West Lake Corridor Project Advancement
CHESTERTON, Ind. – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) applauds today’s announcement that the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) is eligible to begin the design and engineering phase of the West Lake Corridor Project after receiving approval to enter the second stage of the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Capital Investment Grant (CIG) Program.
“The FTA’s acceptance of this commuter rail project into the next stage is a significant milestone for Hoosiers. This development is welcome news for future job creation and economic growth in Northwest Indiana,” said Senator Young. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to bring this important Indiana infrastructure project to fruition.”
The West Lake Corridor Project includes the construction of a new eight mile commuter rail line extending from Hammond to Dyer, as well as the construction of four new stations and a new maintenance facility. This project paired with NICTD’s Double Track Project is expected to attract roughly $2.3 billion in private investment to Northwest Indiana, and create more than 6,000 new jobs and $3 billion in economic impact by 2048.
Todays’ announcement is the culmination of Senator Young’s efforts over the last several years to advance this crucial infrastructure project. He worked hand-in-hand with Governor Holcomb and Congressman Pete Visclosky (IN-D-01), reflecting bipartisan, federal-state support for the project.
In June 2017, Senator Young invited U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao to Indiana to visit with Hoosier stakeholders and discuss NICTD proposed CIG projects. Later that summer he hosted Secretary Chao and Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams in South Bend at the South Bend Airport, where Senator Young, Governor Holcomb, and Congressman Visclosky demonstrated the importance of the West Lake Corridor Project.
Senator Young has also held numerous meetings with federal and state transportation officials and other third party stakeholders. In September 2018, Senator Young, former U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), and Congressman Visclosky sent a letter to the FTA urging swift consideration of the West Lake Corridor Project application.
Click here to learn more about today’s announcement.