RICH JAMES: There's more planning than doing in NWI

If I had a nickel for every study commissioned by the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District and the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission, I’d be a very rich guy.

South Shore hopes plan benefits legislation

The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District board of trustees hopes a new strategic business plan will benefit House Bill 1450, legislation the General Assembly will look at during summer session on how the NICTD is governed.

Job fair draws throngs looking for work

GARY | Mark Turner, of Crown Point, lost his job when Wonder Bread went out of business in November.

E.C. lakefront overhaul eyed Tuesday at marina session

EAST CHICAGO | The city and SEH of Indiana will hold a public meeting Tuesday on the proposed lakefront revitalization initiative.

Hebron starts year with new businesses, major sewer project

HEBRON | Reaping almost $600,000 from the sale of the use of its water tower and of a cellphone tower on town property made last year a profitable year for Hebron.

Development of Dunes-Kankakee Trail clips along

Another small piece of the planned Dunes-Kankakee Trail can be built this summer now that Porter County has agreed to maintain it after it's built.

Federal grant to fund green stormwater management project at Marquette Park

GARY | A diverse group of partners gathered Tuesday to announce a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to develop green stormwater management practices in Marquette Park.

Brown picked to lead region's legislative delegation

INDIANAPOLIS | Northwest Indiana's legislative delegation has elected state Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, as their leader for the 2013 session.

Region has failed on transportation, One Region exec says

SCHERERVILLE | Northwest Indiana is no closer to consolidating transportation now than it was years ago.

Daniels mum on RDA funding threat

INDIANAPOLIS | Gov. Mitch Daniels declined to take a position Thursday on whether the state should continue paying $10 million a year beyond 2015 to support the work of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority.

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore suspension bridge envisioned

PORTAGE | The superintendent of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is thinking big for the future of the park. Really big.

Valpo board hears 2013 stormwter budget plan

VALPARAISO | The city expects to be more than halfway through the "Super 17" stormwater project list by the end of 2013, including the first phase of the Chautauqua Park flood relief system.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Public transportation is necessary part of society

In 2000, the Regional Transportation Authority was formed to build an efficient transportation system for Lake County. With its location near Lake Michigan, the Gary airport, access to commuter trains and a bus system, Lake County should be an unparalleled transportation center.

Governor appoints two new members to Little Cal Commission

INDIANAPOLIS | Gov. Mitch Daniels this week appointed two new members to the commission that oversees Little Calumet River levees in Lake County and reappointed two Valparaiso residents to other state boards.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Indicators point way for improved quality of life

On Oct. 9, Northwest Indiana will be provided with another opportunity to assess where it’s going and, perhaps, how it ought to proceed with respect to several quality of life indicators.

Tennis court improvements planned for Forsythe Park

HAMMOND | Improvements to the tennis courts at Forsythe Park are under way.

Funding future economic development

PORTAGE | More economic development in all its phases is on the horizon for the seven-county region following action Tuesday by the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority.

MARK KIESLING: The RBA — to be or not to be?

Yep. William Shakespeare asked that question about 500 years ago, admittedly in a different context.

MITCH BARLOGA: A tri-state vision for Marquette Greenway

With National Trail Day being last Saturday (and with the immaculate weather I certainly hope you enjoyed a trail or two), I would like to focus on a major regional initiative.