RDA Board Approves $6 Million Grant for Munster

rda-munster-oct-2015The Board of the Directors of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) yesterday approved a $6 million matching grant for the 45th Street Realignment and Grade Separation Project in Munster.

The project, which will change the intersection of Calumet Avenue and East 45th Street to a single, four-legged intersection via a grade-separated structure at the crossing with the railroad tracks, is located approximately three miles northeast of the proposed Dyer/Munster West Lake commuter station, and just over two miles southeast of the proposed Ridge Road and Manor Drive station location.

"Calumet Avenue will be a primary access route to both stations and will be closely linked to transit-oriented development opportunities within the corridor," noted RDA President and CEO Bill Hanna. "It will relieve traffic congestion along the corridor and enhance access to the proposed West Lake Stations, increasing the potential for transit-oriented development."

This grant builds upon $28.6 million in matching funds provided by local and state sources. The RDA's $6 million will be combined with $10 million from Munster, up to $9 million from the State of Indiana and $9.6 million from the Northern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC). The total cost of the project is $34.6 million.