Mrvan secures $16M in federal funds for Northwest Indiana projects

Federal spending legislation signed into law Saturday by Democratic President Joe Biden includes nearly $16 million earmarked for Northwest Indiana projects at the request of U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland.

The two-term congressman said he's grateful to his colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee for including his Community Project Funding requests in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024.

"I appreciate that these federal dollars will continue to grow our Northwest Indiana economy by improving operations at the Gary/Chicago International Airport, the Michigan City Harbor, and support sewer and road projects in the cities of LaPorte, Portage and Valparaiso," Mrvan said.

"We also must continue to support our dedicated members of law enforcement, and I would highlight that this law provides direct funding for the police departments in Gary, Hammond, Merrillville, Michigan City and Munster."

The underlying legislation funds about half the federal government for the remainder of the budget year that runs through Sept. 30.

It was supported by Mrvan and the entire Indiana congressional delegation, except for U.S. Rep. Jim Banks, R-Columbia City, a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate; U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind., a Republican candidate for Indiana governor; and U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz, R-Noblesville.

A second appropriations package must be approved by the Republican-controlled U.S. House and Democratic-controlled U.S. Senate before March 22 to avoid a partial government shutdown.

"I look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders in Northwest Indiana and my congressional colleagues to continue to bring taxpayer dollars back to Northwest Indiana to benefit everyone in our communities," Mrvan said.

Here are the Northwest Indiana projects for which Mrvan secured federal funding:

• $4.1 million for the Gary/Chicago International Airport to increase cargo operations by constructing and expanding a heavy cargo logistics apron for multiple users.
• $2.5 million for operations and maintenance at the Michigan City Harbor.
• $2 million to support partnerships between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Region communities for addressing critical water, sanitary sewer and storm water infrastructure improvements.
• $1 million for Michigan City to construct a barrier-free playground and fitness park.
• $998,000 for operations and maintenance at Burns Waterway Small Boat Harbor in Porter County
• $963,000 for the Challenger Learning Center in Hammond to acquire and install a new Mission Control simulator and to upgrade other science education technology.
• $963,000 for Merrillville to replace its police department radios and to purchase other emergency communications equipment.
• $959,752 each to Valparaiso and LaPorte for projects focused on separating sanitary and storm water sewers.
• $500,000 for Portage to continue reconstructing Central Avenue and improve other inadequate or deteriorating infrastructure.
• $350,000 for Hammond to upgrade and enhance its police department's video surveillance/license plate reader system.
• $264,000 for Gary to increase the number of license plate readers used by its police department.
• $215,000 for Munster to purchase and upgrade police technology and equipment.
• $180,000 for the Michigan City Police Department to acquire license plate readers.