The U.S. Department of Transportation recently announced a Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement (RRIF) Program loan of more than $200 million for the West Lake Corridor Commuter Rail Project.
According to a June 17 DOT news release, a RRIF loan totaling up to $203.3 million will go toward funding the $852 million in eligible costs for the West Lake Corridor Commuter Rail Project, an eight mile extension of a portion of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District’s South Shore Line between Dyer and Hammond, Ind.
"USDOT is excited to provide financing for the West Lake Corridor Commuter Rail project," Deputy Transportation Secretary Polly Trottenberg said in the release. "Multi-modal investments like this support thriving communities, expand transportation options and reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions."
Funding will go toward developing new sidewalks, walking trails and bike paths in areas around stations, the release reported.
“The [Build America Bureau] financed approximately one-third of the project costs to get this important project underway so the area can reap the benefits from new jobs and increased capital investment in the region as soon as possible,” Bureau Executive Director Morteza Farajian said in the release.
DOT previously announced a $354.6 million grant agreement with the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District for the West Lake Corridor Project in 2020, according to the release. Funding is through the Federal Transit Administration’s Capital Investments Program — a commitment renewed this spring in the DOT annual budget request.
