Representative Wants Expansion Of South Bend-Chicago Railroad

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(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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