16-87 Supporting South Shore Line Upgrades

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e, IY« Common Council City of South Bend Indiana 4th Floor County -City Building 227 West Jefferson Boulevard South Bend, Indiana 46601 (574) 235 -9321 (574) 235 -9173 Facsimile it ion Cierkk.5 Office November 9, 2016 Members of the South Bend Common Council NOV 0 9 2016 4th Floor County -City Building South Bend, Indiana 46601 KAREEK4AM lDnwj ,=ry Re: Support for the South Shore Line Proposed Upgrades and Improvements Dear Council Members: TTY /TDD On November 2, 2016, U.S. Representative Peter J. Visclosky spoke before the Michigan City Common Council urging them to approve a proposed resolution approving an Operating Agreement for the Double Track Project between their city and the Northwest Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD). The proposed upgrades of the South Shore Line in the Michigan City area is commonly referred to as the "Double Track NWI ". It calls for a second set of tracks from Gary to Michigan City; as well as new high -level boarding platforms to improve boarding and disembarking from the South Shore Line trains. The South Shore is applying for a federal grant which would pay for approximately one -half of the project's estimated $210 million cost; and the competition for federal funding is very competitive. The attached proposed Resolution sets forth detailed information on the NICTD's 20 -Year Strategic Business Plan which sets forth proposals on updates and major improvements on the South Shore Line operations in the four (4) Indiana counties of St. Joseph, LaPorte, Porter and Lake. The capital plan upgrades include a proposed $15 million upgrades identified as the "South Bend Realignment ". As Chairperson of the Council's Public Works and Property Vacation Committee, I believe that the Council's support of the attached Resolution addressing the proposed plan to upgrade and improve the South Shore Line may assist in the competitive federal grant application process. The many anticipated benefits of such upgrades to all communities served by the South Shore Line would contribute to all of their best interests. I have attached a copy of the Executive Summary of the 20 -Year Strategic Business Plan for your review. I seek your support of this innovative plan which will boast transit and contribute to lasting and needed improvements. Thank you. Most sincerely, Council Member Jo (Maternowski) Broden 4th District Common Council Member Attachment