[Southsider2k12]

http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-an...d959e72344.html

U.S. Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., agreed. He said funding the nation's transportation needs is vital to the economy.

"State and local leaders have committed fully to the South Shore project, and I will continue to work with the administration and congressional appropriators to ensure that the federal government follows through on prior promises to the people of Northwest Indiana," Young said.

That's good news for the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, which is planning in August to submit its federal funding application for the approximately $615 million West Lake expansion of the South Shore Line between Hammond and Dyer, and the $300 million project to double-track the existing commuter rail line between Gary and Michigan City.

The request for money to cover half the cost of each project is slated to be reviewed by federal officials next February.

RDA CEO Bill Hanna is hoping the needed funds then will be appropriated by Congress in the 2019 federal spending legislation that must be adopted by Oct. 1, 2018.