Key members of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority expressed support Tuesday for a $6 million request for flood control, acknowledging the idea was "unusual," but also difficult to refuse.
"I would observe this is an extraordinary request, and not just because it comes from Congressman (Pete) Visclosky and the governor, who are two of the founders of this organization," said RDA chairman John Clark.
The request has stirred controversy because it falls outside what the RDA often refers to as the "four corners" of its legislative mandate. Those are airport, buses, South Shore and lakefront development.
The Little Calumet River Basin Commission is making the $6 million request so work can be finished in the next two years on a flood control system stretching from Gary to the Indiana state line in Hammond. The $6 million would leverage $15 million in federal funds.
Visclosky, D-Ind., Gov. Mitch Daniels and state Sen. Frank Mrvan, D-Hammond, have pledged to work to get the General Assembly to pass appropriations to pay back the $6 million.
Clark and Harley Snyder, both appointed to the RDA by the governor, questioned the group's lawyer on whether approving the money might be open to legal challenge.
RDA attorney Dave Hollenbeck said such approval is within the group's legislative mandate. In addition to the "four corners," the RDA's enabling legislation authorizes spending on "economic development."
However, Hollenbeck noted the RDA's strategic plan, approved earlier this year by the state budget committee and state budget chairman, does not contain flood control as one of its four projects.
Snyder said he supported the request, but that he did not want to see it jeopardized by legal challenges.
The request was referred to an RDA working group, the first step in getting it through the approval process.
The RDA also approved a Northwest Indiana Forum request for $130,000 for a marketing effort, without first referring it to a working group for examination.
The campaign, known as Chicago South Shore Connections, will emphasize the economic benefits of extending the commuter rail line, as well as build support for state or local funding for the project.
Board member Gus Olympidis said it was necessary to get moving quickly on the project and proposed by-passing the working group.
"There is a question whether the RDA supports this activity and that would settle all questions," said Clark, of Olympidis' proposal.
Northwest Indiana Forum marketing director Karen Lauerman said the law firm of Ice Miller will be hired to do some of the marketing and Forum staff will do much of the rest.
The Forum wants to raise $870,000 in all for the campaign, according to documents filed with the RDA. In addition to the $130,000 from the RDA, the Forum has sought donations from companies, civic groups and municipalities, Lauerman said.
A proposal for a $56 million Gary Gateway Station for the South Shore was accepted and referred to a working group. Gary South Shore Development LLC is proposing building a parking garage, South Shore station and retail shops just east of the terminus of Interstate 65.
The project entails closing the Lake Street South Shore stop in Miller, as well as the South Shore station at the downtown Gary Metro Center.
