The Northern
Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) has received a favorable
rating of Medium High for its West Lake Corridor Project.
The rating was
released on Friday as part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s annual
report.
In order to receive
funding from the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA’s) Capital Investment
Grant Program, a project must receive a rating of Medium or higher.
NICTD is leading
the effort with its funding partners from the Northwest Indiana Regional
Development Authority (RDA) and the Indiana Finance Authority (IFA).
Over the next year,
NICTD will select a firm to design the project, commence real estate
acquisition and utility relocation, and complete all necessary actions to
receive funding from the FTA. NICTD anticipates awarding a construction
contract in the spring of 2020, with the start of construction later that
year.
“This is an
exciting moment in time for the West Lake Corridor Project,” NICTD President
Michael Noland said. “Achieving an eligible rating is an important
milestone, and it reflects the hard work put in by the NICTD, RDA, and IFA
teams, as well as our congressional delegation in Washington, our local
elected officials, and many stakeholders.”
“This action taken
by the Federal Transit Administration is outstanding news for the Northwest
Indiana economy and would not have happened without the steadfast support of
Gov. Holcomb, Sen. Young and our federal representatives, our state
representatives, Lake County and the 14 participating towns and cities, and
the leadership of the RDA and NICTD,” U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-1st, said
in a statement released separately on Friday. “As the appropriations process
moves forward for Fiscal Year 2020, I will continue to support full funding
for the Capital Investment Grant Program. I will also continue to
aggressively advocate for the same success for the Double Track project.
Today, our economic future has been brightened.”