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Last updated on Monday, April 9, 2007
(MERRILLVILLE) - A Merrillville state representative is trying to line up funding for an expansion of the South Bend-to-Chicago commuter railroad.
Democrat Chet Dobis has suggested an extra tax on cars and trucks in Lake and Porter counties to raise $50-million dollars. If the state can raise that much, Congress would match it, allowing branch lines from Hammond to Lowell and Valparaiso.
Dobis says the expansion would be a big economic development boost, especially with Chicago in the running for the 2016 Olympics.
A senate committee heard testimony on the idea but declined to add it to a bill this late in the game. Dobis says he's looking for a bill he can attach the idea to.
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