The House recently approved a package of several appropriations measures, which include $45 million investment in projects for Northwest Indiana.
Commenting the latest news, Indiana Congressman Frank J. Mrvan , said: “These federal projects are essential to improving the Northwest Indiana environment and the strength of our regional economy. I appreciate that a transparent process was established for all Members to be able to include eligible projects in appropriations legislation, and I am grateful to have been able to successfully advocate for projects that will have a tangible and positive impact for the First Congressional District.”
Some of Congressman Mrvan’s projects included in the appropriations measures are:
Funding allocated for Environmental Infrastructure – Calumet Region enhances the partnerships between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the communities in Lake and Porter Counties to address critical water, sanitary sewer, and stormwater sewer infrastructure improvements designed to alleviate deteriorated conditions, increase the efficacy of existing systems, and improve water quality impacts.
Funding allocated supports the planned Phase II construction of the Indiana Harbor Confined Disposal Facility (CDF), which contains the backlog and annual maintenance navigational dredging.
Funding for Burns Waterway Harbor will support the operation and maintenance of existing structures in the federal harbor, including dredging the harbor and stone placement along the breakwater. Burns Waterway Harbor facilitates $233.9 million in business revenue and 949 direct jobs, and the commodities handled through the harbor support $15 billion in business revenue and 81,076 jobs.
Funding will support operations and maintenance activities in the federal harbor and as associated with the operations and maintenance of the Indiana Harbor CDF.
Funding will be provided to the USACE to assist with the shoreline restoration within the Indiana Dunes National Park near Mount Baldy in Michigan City, and protect this economic asset and environmental resource for Northwest Indiana from erosion.