The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority has granted the city of Whiting $2.56 million for its lakefront project.

The funding will be used to update the city’s comprehensive plan, make infrastructure improvements, and acquire land and engineering work for a bicycle and pedestrian trail.

The funding was approved at the last RDA Board meeting.

Other funding for Whiting’s park project will come from $1.4 million in federal appropriations, $590,000 from the city, and a grant of $390,000 from BP North America.

The project will help open the shoreline to great public access, Whiting Mayor Joseph Stahura said in a press release issued by the RDA. “This project is in keeping with the spirit of the Marquette Plan and, upon successful completion, represents Whiting’s contribution to the vision that will powerfully transform Indiana’s lakefront for future generations,” he said.

Under the legislation that created the RDA, the agency is to work to expand the Gary/Chicago International Airport, the South Shore commuter service, the Northwest Indiana Regional Bus Authority and enhanced public access to the shoreline through the Marquette Plan.

Posted 3/26/2008