Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore has received $1 million in federal funding to restore Good Fellow Lodge, U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-1st, has announced.

According to a statement released on Thursday, the funding will be used to install a new municipal water line to the lodge, “the first step in a much needed restoration effort to the historically significant structure.”

The funding is included in the Fiscal Year 2010 Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The legislation passed the House conference report today and is expected to pass the Senate soon and be signed by President Obama.

Good Fellow Lodge “is deterioriating and there is a fear that it will collapse and have to be removed completely,” the statement said. “The restoration of the lodge will allow the Indiana Dunes Learning Center to expand its educational programs. This project will help provide valuable hands-on learning experiences that inspire community and environmental stewardship among the citizens of Northwest Indiana. According to figures from the National Park Service, 2.1 million people visit the Lakeshore every year, generating $55.3 million in local revenues.”

“Save the Dunes is grateful to Congressman Visclosky for obtaining $1 million to install a new municipal water line to Good Fellow Lodge, part of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore,” said Tom Anderson, executive director of Save the Dunes Council. “This project will provide a safe, clean water supply for children at the Indiana Dunes Environmental Learning Center and it will provide water in case of fire.”

Visclosky also secured $475 million in funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, an interagency program targeting the most significant problems in the Great Lakes region, such as invasive aquatic species, non-point source pollution, and contaminated sediment. “The initiative’s long-term goals include increasing recreational activity on the lakes, assuring safe drinking water, and providing a healthy ecosystem for fish and wildlife.”

“This funding will set a new direction for protecting and restoring our nation’s largest source of freshwater and will help improve the quality of life for residents of Northwest Indiana and the Great Lakes,” Anderson said.

In addition, Visclosky secured $800,000 for water infrastructure improvements in the City of Portage.

Posted 10/30/2009