Whereas, local, state and federal leaders are considering a plan to improve and extend the South SHore Rail Line connecting Chicago to Northwest Indiana and the expansion of the West Lake Corridor, which will provide new jobs, diversify the economy, provide better access to the region, reduce congestion and pollution, and improve the quality of life for everyone in Northwest Indiana; and
Whereas, the West Lake Corridor Project is forecasted to carry approximately 5,600 riders when operational. This represents a 40% increase in ridership over the commuters currently transported to Chicago. The commuter income generated by the West Lake Corridor is $147.3 million annually, a 62% increase over the $237.5 million that the South Shore line commuters bring back to Northwest Indiana. This additional $147.3 million would generate approximately $12 million in new state revenues for the State of Indiana.
Whereas, an expanded commuter rail acts as a magnet for new jobs, and new economic opportunities to attract workers by commuter rail and improves the quality of life of workers; and,
Whereas, the Chicago Metropolitan Statistical (MSA) is a tri-state regional economy encompassing 9.5 million persons, 14 counties, and ranks as the eighth largest economy by GDP in the world. In terms of US MSA’s only New York and Los Angeles rank higher. There are 4.5 million jobs in the Chicago MSA and 2.1 million of those are located in Cook County alone. An investment by Northwest Indiana counties and the State of Indiana in more closely connecting the region's workforce to the job generator that is Chicago will reap long term economic benefits.
Whereas, road congestion is a severe and growing threat to Northern Indiana’s economic prosperity, environment, and costs residents of the region resources in time and money each year; and,
Whereas, commuter rail transportation is part of the solution by reducing congestion and pollution in an environmentally friendly manner; and,
Whereas, a local match for funding this project will have a 100% return on investment with federal transportation dollars; and,
Whereas, the region’s state and federal legislators many consider legislation to provide for a financing mechanism for this project.
Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that the Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce states its support for expanding the South Shore Rail Line connecting the Chicago market to Northwest Indiana.
Be It Further Resolved that the Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce urges federal and state legislators to support enabling legislation to finance and build this project.