INDIANAPOLIS (April 21) – Governor Mitch Daniels announced today that he and the legislative delegation from Lake and Porter counties have reached an agreement that would bring growth and jobs to the area. Daniels has proposed establishment of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (NIRDA) to develop and fund airport expansion at the Gary/Chicago airport, regional rail and bus transportation projects and facilities as well as shoreline and economic development capital projects.

 

The state would provide up to $20 million toward the initiative in the next two years.

 

NIRDA would be governed by a seven-member board that would comprised of one representative each from Lake and Porter counties appointed by the council and commission of both counties; one representative each from the cities of Gary, East Chicago and Hammond, and two representatives appointed by the governor. One of those appointees would serve as chair for at least the first seven years of the authority, and the other would be an individual jointly recommended by the cities of Portage and Valparaiso.

 

According to the proposal, the state would contribute at least $5 million and up to $10 million in 2006 and 2007 from toll road resources.

 

The governor said a commitment of state money exceeding $20 million is contingent upon review by the Legislature’s Budget Committee and approval of a comprehensive strategic plan by the director of the Office of Management and Budget. The strategic plan will outline proposed air, rail, bus, shoreline and other economic development projects and include a timeline, budget, return on investment, projected ongoing need for subsidy and anticipated matching federal funds. NIRDA would be required to submit the strategic plan by January 2007.

 

In addition to the state investment, the cities of East Chicago, Gary and Hammond and Lake and Porter counties each would be required to contribute at least $3.5 million annually to NIRDA.

 

The Indiana Finance Authority would approve and issue any bonds authorized by the authority.

 

The governor has worked extensively with several legislators from Lake and Porter counties to develop this initiative, including Senator Earline Rogers, D-Gary; Senator Sue Landske, R-Cedar Lake; Rep. Chet Dobis, D-Merrillville; Rep. Ralph Ayers, R-Chesterton; and Rep. Donald Lehe, R-Brookston. He also extended special thanks to Congressman Pete Visclosky, with whom he has spoken to extensively about the initiative.

 

-30-

 

Media contact:  Jane Jankowski, Office of the Governor, 317/232-1622, jjankowski@gov.in.gov