New NICTD board OKs resolutions
on major projects
The new, five-member NICTD board was appointed by Gov. Eric Holcomb nearly a month ago, after the Indiana legislature voted to replace the transit agency’s former 11-member board.
The board is chaired by Indiana Department of Transportation Commissioner Joe McGuinness and includes Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson, Porter County Commissioner Jeff Good, Michigan City Mayor Ron Meer, and St. Joseph County Commissioner Andrew Kostielney.
They heard that the Double Track project — a second set of tracks between Gary and Michigan City — could be completed by March 2023, or by March 2024 if unexpected problems crop up.
Nicole Barker, Double Track’s project manager, said the railroad expects to get the Federal Transit Administration’s full funding agreement in March 2021. The project is expected to cost up to $416 million, plus $40 million for financing.
Chris Beck, project manager for the West Lake Corridor project, said the new line between Hammond and Dyer could be open for service in March 2024, or a year later if unanticipated issues arise.
The West Lake cost is expected to be $816.3 million, or $933 million with financing costs included.
Beck said major West Lake tasks, beside engineering and construction, include reaching agreements with four railroads the new line will cross; completing real estate deals, including purchasing 70 homes; and refurbishing 32 current South Shore cars for the new service.
The rail car process is under way at the South Shore’s shops in Michigan City, Beck said, and the employees there have experience in rehabbing other South Shore cars.
“That’s a really unique thing this railroad is taking on,” Good said. “I’m pleased to hear that.”
The board also approved three resolutions on the West Lake and Double Track projects.
One is an amended agreement telling how NICTD, the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, and the Indiana Finance Agency will work together to oversee the projects. Another approved a three business entities qualified to submit “design-build” proposals for West Lake, and a third approved Double Track program management and final engineering contracts with two firms.
Michael Noland, the South Shore Line’s president and general manager, wasn’t at Monday’s meeting because he was at the State Budget Committee meeting in Indianapolis, for the final step of approval in the state’s new funding agreement for the West Lake and Double Track projects.
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