- NOFA-Related Applications
This program seeks to improve the quality of life related to NWI’s transportation system.
A Vibrant NWI depends on the value the region places on the balance between transportation investments and land-use decisions, builds a distinct sense of
identity, and has an abundance of low-speed/low-stress streets that build a social fabric of community to support a vibrant mix of uses. This program includes projects that enhance the user’s roadway experience through traffic calming or, in some instances, roadway expansions. As a region that has experienced over 150 years of continuous development, significant investments are needed to balance the “march of progress” with our desire for an improved quality of life. Achieving this balance ensures a region whose economy is sustainable and inspires residents to take pride in their communities.
Project Types in Program
- Traffic calming: Funding for treatments that reduce travel speed and improve ped/bike comfort
- Divided highway conversion to boulevards: Funding for projects to improve the livability of FA arterial roadways
- Inventory/control/removal of outdoor advertising: Funding to reduce billboards/signage to improve beauty along FA roadways funding
- Historic preserve of historic transportation facilities: Funding to preserve historic transportation facilities
- Roadway expansion: Funding to wide roadways to address congestion
- Turnouts/overlooks: Funding for projects that provide parking at scenic locations
- New Roadway Program
This program adds new roadways and facilities to NWI’s existing roadway network.
New roadways may connect gaps in the road network. Still, they can also spur more land development away from existing corridors and take away from reinvesting in areas where infrastructure investments have already been made. This program is not currently targeted for long-range funding through the existing levels of funding allocated to NWI from FHWA, as higher-impact programs and projects do more to achieve the vision of NWI 2050. In the short term there are a limited number of projects awarded funding as they had already started project engineering at the time of the Plan development.
Project Types in Program
- New bridge/roadway/tunnel construction: Funding for new roadways, bridges, or tunnels.
- Surface transport infrastructure to facilitate port "linkages": Funding for new roadways to connect port facilities to the existing transportation system.
- New truck parking facilities: Funding new parking specifically for trucks.
Construction of minor collectors in the same corridor as the NHS route: Funding to construct service lanes along arterial roads; NHS owned by INDOT.
- Planning Program
This program seeks to plan for the improvement of NWI’s transportation system.
Providing for A Connected NWI involves sound planning from the outset. Communities and transit providers alike must continue to seek funding to plan to improve our transportation networks to ensure a future of safe, accessible, and equitable options for all region residents. Identifying problematic roadways, in terms of congestion bottlenecks, safety issues, or asset conditions, requires proactive planning for their improvement -- all essential for A Renewed NWI. Whether this includes conducting road safety audits, collecting data on pavement conditions, or identifying strategies to employ ITS technologies, funding for these planning initiatives is vital for the region’s quality of life. A United NWI relies on continuous communication between stakeholders. Through various planning actions focusing on collaboration, areas of conflict toward improving our transportation network can be remedied for those living here today and future generations. Finally, A Vibrant NWI must engage stakeholders to advance planning initiatives and thus ensure a steady flow of continually informed projects that improve the region’s prosperity. Cooperative planning stands as the bedrock of a thriving region.
Project Types in Program
- Land Use/ Corridor Plan: Funds to conduct plans that connect land use and transportation.
- Transit-Oriented Development Program
Economic development opportunities around stations along the NICTD Westlake commuter rail corridor and the South Shore Line double-track project bring promise to transform neighborhoods. In response to these regional efforts, NIRPC released a new Transit Oriented Development (TOD) program funding to support these efforts and to improve the overall character and quality of life, access, and density around transit stations. In addition to the thirteen rail lines stations, NIRPC identified five bus stations in East Chicago, Gary, Merrillville, and Valparaiso. To determine the funding and investment needed for each TOD area.
NIRPC developed a TOD Report that includes an analysis and typologies to evaluate the TOD readiness of the selected eighteen station areas throughout the region. The TOD program identifies implementation funding for municipalities most ready to begin with, infrastructure plans, and the ability to begin construction. NIRPC also provides planning funding for areas that need planning.
NIRPC planners prepared general guidance and criteria for NWI municipalities aiding with application development. The studies identified a typology system to evaluate residential and commercial property balance, amenities, and opportunities to improve station access, density, safety, walkability, and biking features.
The TOD program will support new Transportation Development Districts (TDD), state designations that open local and state funding for economic development near transit stations.
For questions about the TOD Funding Program, please contact Eman Ibrahim, Planning Manager, at eibrahim@nirpc.org.
Project Types in Program
- TOD Planning: Funding for projects in a TOD area
- TOD Implementation: Funding to construct a transportation project within a TOD area.