Indiana Officials Optimistic About Railroad Line Upgrades

CHICAGO (AP) — Indiana officials say a 90-year-old plan to speed travel times, add trains and attract more passengers on the South Shore railroad could finally happen.

The Chicago Tribune reports the state, along with northwest Indiana communities, have pledged half the money for the nearly $1 billion project, which includes a double track from Gary to Michigan City and a line extension from Hammond to Dyer.

Indiana is seeking federal grants to pay for the rest. Officials say they're optimistic the grants will come through next year because of the project's bipartisan support.

Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority Chief Executive William Hanna says approval is an example of what can happen if a transit project is touted as a key to jobs and growth instead of just an environmentally friendly thing to do.