Vibrant NWI
NWI’s economy is thriving, our people are well educated, growth is
planned, and natural and agricultural areas are valued and protected.
Spotlight
$20 Million in Improvements Coming to the Port of Indiana - Burns Harbor

The Port of Indiana - Burns Harbor will see $20 million in improvements over the next four years to increase capacity and efficiency as well as reduce harmful air emissions. The Port was awarded $10 million from a federal U.S. Department of Transportation FASTLANE Grant and will match the grant with $10 million in state funding.

Specifically, the funds will be used to construct the following projects:

  • Adding two new rail yards, allowing the port to handle and store thousands more rail cars and move freight more efficiently in and out of the port

  • Adding 1,800 more feet of dock, increasing the port’s capacity to handle cargo faster

  • Adding a truck marshaling yard, a place for trucks to park while waiting that will help relieve congestion and reduce emissions

  • Adding a 3,400 sq. ft. lounge, a place for truck drivers to wait more comfortably

For more information on this project, click here.
Economy and Place
Environment
Mobility
Interesting News!
One Region in partnership with the Regional Planning Authority (RDA) planned a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) tour. The tour took place on October 18th and included leaders from the northwest Indiana region as well as state representatives, developers, real estate investors, planners, economic developers, and other community leaders.

The tour included four TOD Metra station stops in the Chicago region; Elmhurst, Lombard, Oak Forest, and Orland Park.

Attendees were provided the opportunity to learn more about the character, development progression in the last twenty years, and public private partnership investment.

To learn more about TOD in these communities follow these links: Elmhurst Downtown Plan , Initiative for the Chicago Southland Transit Region , Orland Triangle.
Winter is Coming! The NIRPC and South Shore Clean Cities Green Fleet Program is proud to announce Winter Preparedness Training for Fleets on Nov. 22nd from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Lake Station.

Clean air is an essential element of a vibrant future in Northwest Indiana. Winter Preparedness Training for Fleets includes topics such as idle reduction technologies, equipment, policies and success stories for winter fleet drivers to reduce emissions and save money on fuel. Diesel engines, particularly in older municipal fleets, can contribute to particulate pollution air quality problems in winter.

NWI 2050 Implementation Strategies highlight clean fuels, green technology and idle reduction as important steps communities can take to improve the air quality in the Region.

Public Works staff members and fleet managers are encouraged to attend.

To learn more and to register for the training click here.
Fall is beginning in Northwest Indiana with dropping temperatures and colorful leaves. Our vibrant region has numerous options for a fall weekend activity, and some of these may involve driving to a pumpkin patch or apple orchard. Along with cooler weather and changing leaves, it is time for drivers to be aware of one more thing October brings: deer season.

According to Indiana State Police, “Each year in Indiana, several thousands of dollars worth of damage occurs from vehicle-deer crashes. In many cases, motorists panic, swerve to miss a deer, lose control of their vehicles and hit fixed objects. 

As deer migrate from the fields and woods and run across Indiana roadways, the Indiana State Police reminds motorists to remember the following driving techniques:

• When possible use high beam headlights at night and be aware that deer could be standing on or near the side of the roadway.

• Drivers should never panic. Sometimes it’s better to hit the deer than swerve and crash into another vehicle, or hit a fixed object such as a utility pole or tree.

• Where there is one deer there are often several. BE ALERT!

• If your vehicle strikes a deer, do not touch it. A frightened or wounded deer can cause you serious bodily injury. Remain in your car, make sure you and your passengers are safe, and call the police to obtain a crash report.”

Stay safe on the roads, watch for deer, and enjoy fall in this vibrant region!

Participation Opportunity!
NIRPC is currently surveying NWI residents, businesses, and travelers on their experience with congestion. NIRPC is updating NWI's Congestion Management Process, which influences the kind of investments and planning NIRPC and INDOT can pursue in Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties. Please take some time to share your thoughts!
Participate!
NIRPC Commission/ Executive Board Meeting
  • November 21st
  • 9:00 AM
  • Lake Michigan Room, 6100 Southport Road Portage, IN 46368
  • Link for more information
  • Questions? Contact Candice Eklund at 219-254-2501
  • Can’t make it in person? Watch it on YouTube
Diversity and Inclusion Symposium 2019 - Save the Date
Funding Opportunity!
NIRPC Environmental Management and Policy Committee
  • December 5th
  • 9:00 AM
  • Lake Michigan Room, 6100 Southport Road Portage, IN 46368
  • Link for more information
  • Questions? Contact Candice Eklund at 219-254-2501
  • Can’t make it in person? Watch it on YouTube
NIRPC and South Shore Clean Cities Winter Preparedness Training for Fleets
  • November 22nd
  • 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Lake Station Riverview Park Cabin, 2701 Ripley Street, Lake Station, IN 46405
  • Link for more information
Funding Opportunity!
Funding Opportunity!