Indiana Counties Back Funding For South Shore Rail Project

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — The final Indiana county being asked to commit money toward major upgrades of the South Shore commuter rail line between South Bend and Chicago has agreed to do so.

South Bend and St. Joseph County officials reached an agreement this past week for splitting $18 million for the project's local contribution. The estimated $312 million project would add a second set of tracks between Gary and Michigan City to improve travel times.

Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties have approved similar funding.

The state has committed $185 million for the project, using money from a $1 billion payment that the Indiana Toll Road operator paid in a deal allowing fee increases for large trucks. Rest of the money is expected to come from the federal government.