INDIANAPOLIS | The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority asserted its independence Tuesday at the state's capital.

The RDA met in Indianapolis a few hours after a contentious legislative hearing on South Shore expansion. Board members stressed they've made no financial commitment to the plan to extend commuter rail lines to Lowell and Valparaiso.

"There have been representations -- inaccurate -- that the RDA has committed $150 million to this project," RDA Chairman Leigh Morris said.

Earlier in the day, a state Senate panel asked Morris if the RDA could take on such a commitment without shortchanging efforts to redevelop the Lake Michigan shoreline, create a regional bus system and upgrade the Gary/Chicago International Airport. Morris answered in the affirmative, but East Chicago and Gary leaders remain skeptical.

The discussion spilled over to the RDA meeting. East Chicago lobbyist John Aguilera asked the board whether a proposed rail link to the Gary airport, which carries a preliminary price tag of $130 million, would further stress RDA finances.

As with the Lowell and Valparaiso lines, RDA members noted they've received no request to undertake an airport link. Meanwhile, Gerry Hanas, the South Shore's general manager, told the RDA a federal grant is available to establish shuttle bus service from the Clark Road station in Gary to the airport.

U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Ind., is seeking federal dollars to study a possible airport rail spur, but Gary Mayor Rudy Clay wants the project spelled out in state legislation. The measure, House Bill 1220, would divert $350 million in state sales tax money to the proposed Lowell and Valparaiso lines.

Federal dollars are expected to cover half the $1 billion rail expansion, leaving the $150 million gap supporters expect the RDA to fill.