Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) expressed his support this week regarding the benefits of a recently advanced rail project he said represents an avenue to significant economic development within the state.
Young praised efforts resulting in the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) gaining clearance for the Double Track Northwest Indiana Project design and engineering phase, noting the endeavor would now enter the second stage of the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Capital Investment Grant (CIG) Program.
“The FTA’s approval of NICTD’s South Shore Double Track project into the engineering stage is an exciting step forward in the Capital Investment Grant process,” Young said. “I will continue to work with all stakeholders to advance this project and achieve significant economic development in Northwest Indiana.”
The scope of work involves installation of a second main line track from Gary to Michigan City, Ind., adding 17 miles of new track, four new bridges, station and parking improvements at five South Shore Line stations, street-running track removal, new track installation separated from the roadway in Michigan City and closing 21 at-grade crossings in Michigan City.
The Double Track Northwest Indiana Project, paired with NICTD’s West Lake Corridor Project, is anticipated to attract $2.3 billion in private investment to northwest Indiana while creating more than 6,000 new jobs and $3 billion in economic impact by 2048.