By ALEXANDRA NEWMAN

When the the Porter County Convention, Recreation and Visitor Commission met Tuesday afternoon, it tabled its resolution to support a plan to improve and extend the South Shore Rail Line to Lowell and Valparaiso.

PCCRVC President Michael Scott spoke strongly in favor of the expansion, expressing the benefit for tourism.

However, David Canright, who has not sought reappointment to the board, suggested the board wait until next year, as he personally could not vote in favor of the resolution. There were six members in attendance Tuesday.

Canright objected because thre is no funding source for the extension. “We would endanger what we have, by not having an operating source,” Canright said.

According to Canright, the South Shore fares pay just over 1/2 the cost, which is considered higher than most in the country. However, he added that money is needed from the state, federal sources just to keep the line operating.

Having a local tax just to build the system is not good, he said.

“It is not our job to decide where the money is coming from,” argued Scout, adding that it would be good for tourism all over the county.

Members noted that page two of their own resolution states that the PCCRVC would urge federal and state legislators to support enabling legislation to finance and build this project.

Treasurer Carol Costakis, who has not been reappointed for another term, said it had to be thought of as economic development.

Member Sylvia Graham, agreeing with Canright, questioned why if the extension was so great, it had to be made a part of the South Shore. She suggested the railroad be made independently.

“It would be a great burden on our area,” she said, refering to additional taxes.

Member Judy Chaplin questioned how the commuters’ schedule would be affected. However, she said because it would be environmentally good, she would favor the extra train service.

Canright said it might cause a bottleneck when the tracks all meet at the Kensington, where the Indiana trains and Illinois trains meet. He said that needs to be addressed.

The board decided to table the resolution until 2008.

Posted 12/19/2007