February 2008 Archives

The House Environmental Affairs Committee adopted the Senate's version of the Great Lakes Compact by a unanimous vote Wednesday, bringing the water conservation deal a step closer to becoming law.

Gary Mayor Rudy Clay said Tuesday he wants the ability to pull out of the Regional Development Authority, because he doesn't want Gary locked into paying for the South Shore commuter rail extension if the project won't benefit Gary.

Now, if the $1 billion project includes a rail spur linking the South Shore line to the Gary airport, the mayor would be much more likely to look on it favorably.

The RDA bill the General Assembly approved in 2005 includes no language about how a funding entity like Gary can back out. The bill does stipulate payors will fund the RDA for 10 years.

U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky of Merrillville will testify Feb. 12 at a hearing of the Senate Tax Committee about the benefits of a $1 billion extension to the South Shore commuter rail line.

The powerful Tax Committee and its chairman, Sen. Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, will determine whether the South Shore bill has any legs this session.

Kenley has expressed problems with a funding plan for the South Shore project that would rely on $350 million in state sales tax revenue.

Visclosky argues the time to act is now, when he can promise $500 million in federal matching funds.