South Shore Line & Related Train News
CESSL NEWS
UPDATED FEBRUARY 02, 2008
This page contains CESSL's
coverage and
archived news on the South Shore line extension. We encourage you to read
through this page to see how the project has progressed.
Scroll down or click on the
dates below to jump to that days archived news.
 Also, our
special reports, audio interviews, and videos
section contains important interviews with elected officials, videos
pertaining to the South Shore line, and our own coverage of important dates
and events.
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February 05, 2008
We give much kudos to these columnist for their stance regarding the
South Shore Line extension. Read these three columns from the past few
days:
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February 02, 2008
South Shore jobs number defended - Many people have asked for
independent studies to be performed regarding the figures surrounding the
South Shore line extension. The truth is, it was done from the
beginning.
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February 01, 2008
We think this is important to read regarding the progress being made on the
existing South Shore Line. Read towards the bottom about the Kensington
bypass. From the Chesterton Tribune:
Cameras to monitor all South Shore passengers thanks to federal grant
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January
31, 2008
Thank you to everyone who came out to see Congressman Visclosky speak at Purdue
Calumet last evening. Over 150 people turned out! Here are the
links to the Post-Tribune and Times coverage of the event:
Visclosky builds case for South Shore Project and
Visclosky wants region to ride
Also, Governor Daniels is in
the news regarding the South Shore extension:
Daniels warms to South Shore funding plan
.
Last night, a question was put
forth regarding the congestion issue at Kensington. The issue is being
addressed. First, read this
Chesterton Tribune article about NICTD engaging in engineering studies.
Secondly, read this excerpt from NICTD's Board meeting minutes from November
30, 2007:
| "Mr. Hanas
outlined the capital program. The first of 14 new double-decker
passenger cars will begin arriving in late 2008. He explained the
possibility of a bypass track at the Kensington interlocking where
NICTD joins the Metra tracks in Illinois. This is pending final design
approvals from Metra and Canadian National. Mr. Hanas spoke of
completing the design/build of Phase 1 of the new overhead power
distribution system between Gary and MP 75." |
Work is being done,
improvements are being made. Also, some people have also been
inquiring about preserving green-space and green fields while expanding the
South Shore Line. The truth is, the South Shore does not dictate how
municipalities chose to develop. However, they have assisted in
promoting environmentally friendly
transit oriented development, and towns like Munster, Dyer, and
Valparaiso have plans for just that. Read this Times story from 2006:
Commuter lines fast track to growth
We felt it necessary to
clear the air on some of those issues. Again, thank you to all who
came out. Please continue to contact your State Representatives and
Senators and telling them you support the South Shore Extension and House
Bill 1220. Look them up
here Read the Times editorial urging the Senate to keep the
legislation alive:
Senate must keep legislation for South Shore project on track
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January 29, 2008
Rail bill gets RDA escape clause: House Bill 1220 went through 2nd
reading in the House today. Amendments were made, and the bill will be
up for 3rd reading this Tuesday or Wednesday. Please continue to
contact your legislators to show your support. Look up your legislator
here.
Read this great article on commuter rail in the Times from Janet Moran:
Get on board the commuter rail express
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January
26, 2008
More good news on the South Shore Line extension.
More support from regional groups:
Commuter rail plan gains renamed ally
Do any of you remember when CESSL.org started way
back in August? Well, this stories touches on some of the confusion
regarding CESSL and the Chicago South Shore Connections group who we have
been working with.
South Shore feud factions pop up on web As far as feuding
factions go, who are those people?
Another reminder for you all to attend our January 30th event at Purdue
University Calumet:
Visclosky to discuss proposed South Shore expansion
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January 24, 2008
House Bill 1220 passes through the House of Representatives Ways & Means
Committee
15-5
The legislation is alive and kicking, and we will continue to track it's
progress. Read the Post-Trib and Times coverage:
Rail plan plows ahead and
South Shore bill leaves station
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January 19, 2008
Sorry for delays in getting up new news! We've had a busy schedule
lately, and there's been lots of good news out there. First, thank you
to all the warm and receptive individuals at the Dune Park station Friday
morning. We hope the coffee kept you all warm. Second, here is a
sample of the
letter we delivered to all members of the Indiana House of
Representatives Ways & Means committee members. Now, let's bring you
all up to speed:
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From January 18:
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NIRPC: South Shore 'yes,' new taxes 'no'
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South Shore plan delayed for additional freight and
South Shore skeptics grill proponents
Read
our coverage of the Thursday, January 17th Ways & Means hearing where
the South Shore bill was heard. We were there, and those two articles
above might not convey what we saw. Just read this quote from the
Post-Trib article:
The Ways and Means Committee did not vote on the South Shore
bill Thursday, but committee Chairman William Crawford,
D-Indianapolis, said he was "fairly confident" the committee will vote
to pass the package next week.
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January 15, 2008
Dem House speaker endorses South Shore Bill: read more at the Times
website.
 Congressman
Visclosky was on 89.5FM Vocalo.org discussing the South Shore Line
extension. You can stream the
archived show, and as it is a 4 hour bloc of radio, we suggest you fast
forward to and listen to these specific segments:
>> 1:06:50 - CESSL.org past segments and discussion
>> 1:33:00 - Congressman calls in from Washington
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January
13, 2008
South Shore plan gaining steam:
Porter County Commissioner Bob Harper, a vocal critic of the South Shore
Line extension, is changing his tone.
 LISTEN
UP! Do you like listening to the radio? Well, tune into 89.5FM or
stream the show from
VOCALO.org this Tuesday, January 15th from 3pm to 7pm. Steve
Walsh's show will, among things, discuss the South Shore Line extension.
Check for one or two of CESSL's members to be co-hosting with Steve, as well
as a phone interview with none other than Congressman Peter Visclosky.
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January 11, 2008
No new tax? You got
it.
Lawmaker pitches 'free' ride to South Shore expansion From the
Post-Trib:
Dobis: No new taxes to expand South Shore
Do you believe everything you read? Well, believe this:
Dobis' plan for South Shore offers no pain, plenty of gain
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January 10, 2008
The news is out on the proposed
funding mechanism for the South Shore Line extension. Read the
official press release. For those fearing a new tax, the headline speaks
volumes:
Dobis Files Plan to Help Build South Shore Extension Without Raising Taxes
There is a lot of good news out today. One of our letters to the
editors was printed
here in the Post-Tribune. Another fine supporting letter made it
into the Times:
Train would bring people like me back to the region
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January 07,
2008
New coverage on the South Shore Line and
the Northwest Indiana Delegation:
South Shore expansion talks today
Also, read these great editorials on the benefits of expanding the South
Shore Line:
What's it worth to keep young people near us? and
Expanding rail service is boost to economy
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January 05,
2008
An interesting and candid article about
the debate surrounding the South Shore Line extension. Read
Post-Tribune writer Rich Jackson's story:
Everyone's right regarding South Shore expansion issue
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January 01,
2008
Happy New Year to you all.
To those of you who took the time to write to the papers, your support
is appreciated. Read the letters to editor and our guest column that
was printed in the Times here:
Extend the South Shore for our future, kids' future and
I say I'm from the Chicagoland-area for a reason
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December 31,
2007
Munster on board for the South Shore expansion: The Munster Town Council
joins other Lake and Porter County communities in adopting an official
resolution endorsing the South Shore Line extension.
Thank you to everyone who has signed the petition. Please stayed tuned for
future updates, as we have a special event coming up January 30th.
Your attendance will be requested, and we promise we won't disappoint you.
Happy New Year!
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December 26,
2007
New schedules, the South Shore Line extension, and upgrades to the existing
South Shore Line are the focus of this Chesterton Tribune
article.
Are you our
MySpace friend yet?
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December 19,
2007
An interesting letter written in response to Porter County Commissioner Bob
Harper's opposition to the South Shore Line extension:
Stagecoach to the rescue, or rescue the stagecoach
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December 15,
2007
The Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission, NIRPC held an
executive board meeting where they voted unanimously in support of the South
Shore Line extension. Read the full story at the Post-Tribune's
website:
Rail expansion advances Additionally, here is the link to
the Times's coverage:
NIRPC backs South Shore plan
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December 04,
2007
Past news from November 30:
Rail line extension at top of agenda and
Dobis spreads 'gospel' of South Shore extension
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November 24,
2007
The NWI Forum is hosting a governmental affairs meeting
November 29th at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville.
Reserve yourself a place at the event, where Congressman Pete Visclosky will
discuss the South Shore Line expansion. Read more about the event in
the
Times.
The Post-Tribune ran a story the 21st
about the NWI Delegation and their progress regarding the South Shore Line
extension. Read it
here.
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November 20,
2007
An opinion piece by Phil Wieland of the
Times regarding the South Shore line extension:
South Shore commuter rail - or fright train ride
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November 15,
2007
The
Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce supports the South Shore Line extension.
Read the Post-Tribune story
here.
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November
13, 2007
Congressman Visclosky presented the South Shore Line
extension to Indiana's Study Committee on Mass
Transit and Transportation Alternatives.
Read The Times Editorial:
Cedar Lake should rethink opposition to rail extension
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November 05,
2007
PARADE Magazine ran a story this Sunday titled:
Can We Save America's Trains?
Read this story to learn about the benefits of mass transit, and
positive action taking place in Washington to encourage the revitalization
of our commuter rail system.
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October 30, 2007
RADIO BROADCAST: This Monday the
29th, CESSL interviewed Mayor Doug Olson of Portage, IN regarding the South
Shore extension.
Listen now to our interview, and if you live out toward Chesterton, tune
in to 89.5FM for a chance to hear the broadcast on your radio.
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October 26, 2007
Merrillville supports South Shore expansion
The M'ville Town Council approved a resolution supporting the
South Shore Line extension, a week after hearing a presentation from the
Connections team.
NIRPC takes on South Shore extension The Northwestern Indiana Regional
Planning Commission, NIRPC, is considering endorsing the South Shore Line
extension. "NIRPC is a
regional council of local governments serving the three counties of
northwest Indiana. NIRPC provides a forum that enables the citizens of
northwest Indiana to address regional issues relating to transportation, the
environment and community and economic development."
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October 22, 2007
Dyer council endorses South Shore expansion Mark Lopez from Congressman
Visclosky's office requested an official endorsement from the Dyer Town
Council in support of the South Shore Line extension.
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October
19, 2007
On Friday, October 12 Lakeshore Focus with Dan
Lowery had three guests from the Chicago South Shore Connections team talk
about the South Shore Line extension.
You can now view that broadcast online
here at Google Video, or play the video plug-in to the right.
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October 16,
2007
Updated (7:28pm): Read today's
Times editorial endorsing the South Shore Line extension. Monday:
Take pitch for South Shore extension to new level.
Also, read Sunday's letter to the editor written by the President of the
Greater Northwest Indiana Association of Realtors:
Chicago South Shore Connections is on track
Lowell learns of rail extension benefits
(Monday) Presentations from the Connections team
continue across Lake and Porter County, explaining why the South Shore Line
extension is a project valuable to the region.
If you have not had the chance, be sure to visit the
GoSouthShore.org website for more information on upcoming presentations
in your area. If you
sign up in support, you will receive an e-newsletter keeping you up to
date on the project.
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October 14,
2007
 Munster
could be hub for South Shore expansion
Carolyn Thompson from the Times covers the opinions of
Munster residents and local organizations in regard to the South Shore Line
extension.
Also, we wish to thank all the Bears fans who accepted a flyer from us at
the Hammond and East Chicago train stations today. Riding the train to
Soldier Field with the family is a convenience that many fans recognize.
With the cost of parking in Chicago and the traffic on the roads, a train
ride is more affordable and more relaxing.
See the schedule
here. |
October 11,
2007
Read the story on yesterdays mass
transit meeting in Indianapolis:
Denver transit initiative provides model for local rail push.
Coverage includes reference to the local Connections campaign.
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October 10,
2007
TODAY in Indianapolis at 9am
(10amET):
Legislative Panel meeting to discuss economic benefits of mass transit
(click to read the full press release). You can watch the live webcast of
the meeting at:
http://mediaserver.ihets.org/waysandmeans/
State Senator Karen Tallian, a
proponent of the extension of the South Shore Line, answered to critics of
the project in yesterdays Chesterton Tribune. Read the full story:
South Shore expansion explained and defended
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October 08, 2007
Dyer hops on line extension push. The Town Council of Dyer has
agreed to express their support for the South Shore Line extension.
Read the Times story now to learn more!
NEW: We have updated and expanded our news, and encourage you to read
CESSL's report from our meeting with John Parsons from NICTD. The
report contains information about the continual improvement being done to
the current track system, and also how the new extension will benefit the
existing track and its riders. You can also view a video released by
NICTD in 20003.
"Moving in the Right Direction" highlights all the improvement being
done, and has a nice bit of history of the South Shore Line.
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October 04, 2007
South Shore Campaign Rolling Keith Benman reports on the beginning
of the Chicago South Shore Connections project and about CESSL's involvement
in the campaign.
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October 02, 2007
Groups join forces for South Shore 'Connections'
Support for the South Shore Line extension is
growing! The Northwest Indian Forum, Northwestern Indiana Regional
Planning Commission, NICTD, and other organizations have joined forces to
promote the extension of the South Shore Line.
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September 29, 2007
In order for the South Shore Line to receive federal funds for the proposed
extension, NICTD must demonstrate there will be enough riders to make new
rail lines cost effective. NICTD has done that. Read the story
here.
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September 28,
2007
"Steve Walsh is an award
winning print journalist from Northwest Indiana. The Post-Tribune in Gary
sent him to Iraq in 2003 and again in 2005. He covered the Indiana
Statehouse through three governors." (Vocalo.org) Recently, Steve
interviewed commuters at a state line Indiana
gas station to see if they would ride the new train. Listen to what
they said
here.
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September 27, 2007
CESSL wishes to encourage everyone to learn more about why extending the
South Shore Line is positive for economic development.
Transit-oriented development, TOD, is an economic development plan adopted
by many cities that have a mass transit system. Read the
Wikipedia article about TOD to understand what cities like Munster and
Valporaiso have in mind if a train station comes to their towns.
Also, the website Vocalo.org that hosts
CESSL's radio broadcasts has many members from Northwest Indiana.
CESSL enjoyed the
postings of this member relating to the South Shore, and we think you
might too.
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September 24, 2007
The Post-Tribune has released their opinion on the South Shore
extension. The full opinion can be read
here
CESSL REPORTS:
CESSL met with John Parsons from NICTD last Friday to learn more about the
South Shore Line and the extension. We learned that investment in the
line has returned many positive results. New trains, new stations, and
new systems for the South Shore has steadily increased ridership, and
service improvements are continuing to be done. Currently, renovations
on the tracks between Kensington and Gary are underway, which will resolve
many issues plaguing the current track.
Since NICTD took over the South Shore over 30 years ago, the train line has
become what it is today.
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September 20, 2007
Read The Times editorial from today:
Bad Traffic: Extend the South Shore.
Also in the news:
Mass transit movement shapes up.
Read The Times story covering mass transit news across the state, with
reference to the South Shore extension.
If you have not had a chance to read about Monday's presentation by
Representative Dobis and Congressman Visclosky regarding the extension of
the South Shore, visit our
Media section to read The Times and Post-Tribune's coverage now.
You can read CESSL's more in-depth report
here.
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September 19, 2007
12:55PM -
Read the
Northwest Indiana Quality of Life Council's Resolution from September 7
supporting the South Shore Line extension. CESSL recently obtained a
copy of the resolution, and we encourage you to read it and support their
cause.
7:30AM - Read CESSL's review of the presentation made this
past Monday promoting the South Shore. Our report highlights important
facts missing in much coverage of the meeting.
Read more here.
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September 17 & 18, 2007
South Shore support from Congressman Visclosky
Patrick Guinane of The Times covers U.S. Congressman Pete Visclosky and
Representative Chet Dobis in their presentation promoting the South Shore
extension to the Commission on State Tax Fiscal Policy. They were
accompanied by Senator Tallian, Senator Charbonneau, and Representative
Soliday in promoting the benefits of the project. Read
The Times story
here. Read John Byrne's coverage at the
Post Tribune here.
NOTE: CESSL attended the meeting Monday, and we will bring you more
details that are not covered in the story. Stay tuned...
South Shore Arts
The Northwest Indiana Forum, a non-profit regional economic development
organization, has teamed up with South Shore Arts to promote a new poster
series celebrating the region and the South Shore. Read the
Post-Tribune story
here.
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September 14, 2007
Listen now to the interview with Munster Town Councilmen John Edington,
Councilmen Mike Mellon, and Town Manager Tom DeGiulio. The Wednesday,
September 12 meeting talked about Munster's role in the development of the
South Shore Line, potential station locations, and what you can do to help
support the South Shore Line extension.
Contact Us If you would like a full transcript of the interview.
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September 11, 2007
Please read about our coverage in The Times! We appreciate local
reporter Keith Benman giving us attention in today's Business section.
Tomorrow, CESSL will be sitting down with Munster Town Councilmen John
Edington and Mike Mellon to discuss the South Shore extension and it's
impact on Munster, Indiana. Additionally, we hope to bring you details
on Munster's plans for their South Shore station. Check back for the
interview.
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September 10, 2007
The South Shore extension is in the news! Read the recent Northwest
Indiana Times article covering the Northwest Indiana Quality of Life Council
and their support for the South Shore extension
here. Additionally, CESSL is on the AIR!
Visit us at
www.VOCALO.org, where we our broadcasting news and interviews relating
to the South Shore Line extension. Stay tuned for interviews with
citizens and officials in your area, where we will talk to them about why
they support the South Shore project.
Here's the
link to our most recent broadcast.
AND, to all CESSL's supporters, thank you for coming back for updates, as we
have more news for you every week.
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September 6, 2007
Thank you everyone for your support. We
greatly appreciate the backing of current South Shore Line riders! Look for
volunteers at local Northwest Indiana campuses, starting first at Calumet
campus of Purdue University.
Remember, email the petition to your friends and family. They trust
your opinion!
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August 30, 2007
Many supporters have emailed with questions pertaining to the South Shore
Line extension. Please continue to contact us with any and all
questions, we have some of the answers!
The Links
section has been updated with more resources and information, and everyone
is encouraged to read the Regional Development Authority's Comprehensive
Economic Strategic Plan. In the report, you can find more information
and details about the rail extension. Visit RDA's homepage
here.
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August 29, 2007
We currently have over 400 signatures! Word has been spreading about
the petition, and more and more people are signing every day. Keep up
the good work, and please tell your friends and family to support the cause!
It is our hope to soon bring local officials and organizations on board
to publicly endorse the project and our petition, so stay tuned for more
upcoming information and updates.
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August 24, 2007
Thank you to everyone who has signed the petition so far! The
number of signatures jumped significantly in the past few days!
The campaign is far from over, so please continue to check the website
regularly for updates like this one. Keep an eye out for CESSL
volunteers at local events, campuses, and other locations in your area
handing out fliers or collecting signatures. Additionally, keep
telling your friends and family! The word of mouth is our cheapest
resource for reaching new petitioners.
If you would be interested in learning how you can help more, click the
contact button at the top of the page, or click
here.
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August 2007 - The Beginning
Citizens for the Extension of the South Shore Line is beginning a petition
drive to ensure that local, state, and federal government officials of
Northwest Indiana are aware that the public is in support of the expansion
of the South Shore Line.
It is the mission of CESSL to petition the legislatures responsible for
ensuring legislation for the South Shore Line expansion comes before the
appropriate governmental bodies. The Northwest Indiana
Delegation, members of the Indiana House of Representatives and Senate,
local city and town officials, county councilors and commissioners, and
regional Chambers of Commerce will all be presented with the petition
when a sufficient number of signatures have been obtained. CESSL wishes to
compel the members to act on behalf of the wishes of the citizens of the
State of Indiana.
Additionally, the petition will be delivered
to the Governor, Northwest Indiana Congressman Pete Visclosky, Indiana
Senators Richard Lugar and Evan Bayh, chairmen/women of the Indiana General
Assembly and the United States Congress' respective transportation
committees, as well as other relevant local officials.
Northwest Indiana is growing and it is important to support that growth with
an infrastructure that will encourage and contribute to that growth for
years to come. Please sign CESSL's petition, and help support progress
in Northwest Indiana.
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