Indiana’s governor is urging the Trump administration to include nearly $490 million in the new federal budget toward upgrading and expanding the South Shore commuter rail line that runs between northern Indiana and Chicago.
The (Northwest Indiana) Times reports that work on the South Shore Line includes extending the rail between Hammond and Dyer, as well as adding a second line between Gary and Michigan City.
Gov. Eric Holcomb wrote a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao saying the projects will reduce commute times to Chicago and help bring more residents and businesses to the area.
The projects will need to receive at least a medium rating from the federal government to qualify for Federal Transit Administration support. Ratings are expected to be released in February.
