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http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-an...5012bd4e70.html

INDIANAPOLIS — Gov. Eric Holcomb is eager to sign legislation funding the double-tracking of the South Shore Line between Gary and Michigan City.

The Republican said Tuesday that he considers the $180 million Indiana will spend over the next 30 years to expand commuter rail service in the Region to be a vital investment in the state's future, as well as a top accomplishment of the 2017 General Assembly that adjourned Saturday.

"This is not just about economic development, but equally importantly it's also about attracting talent from the nation's third biggest economy in Chicago and getting folks to move to this side of the border," Holcomb said.

The governor plans to sign his approval for House Enrolled Act 1001, the two-year state budget that includes the South Shore funding, on Thursday.

Holcomb said he's still reviewing a related measure, House Enrolled Act 1144, that puts the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority in charge of attracting transit-oriented residential and commercial projects near existing and future South Shore stations.

When asked by reporters, Holcomb did not in any way indicate that he's considering vetoing the measure, which passed with near-unanimous support in the General Assembly, only that he hasn't yet had time to fully digest it.

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LaPorte County has also approved paying a share of south shore double tracking funding.

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http://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local...225c9db29d.html

MICHIGAN CITY — Council members on Tuesday approved the city’s share of funding toward the proposed $290 million South Shore track expansion.

The 6-3 vote authorized the borrowing of $5.39 million from Michigan City’s south side tax increment financing district. Last week the city's redevelopment commission approved paying $6.71 million from the same fund for the project.

The sum will be paid back with money collected for the TIF district over the next 21 years.

In all, LaPorte County local governments are being asked to contribute $18.25 million to the South Shore upgrade that includes the addition of a second track to a 17-mile stretch of railway between Gary and Michigan City, as well as route improvements through Michigan City. The upgrades are expected to considerably reduce commute times to and from Chicago in LaPorte and St. Joseph Counties.