Omnibus bill benefits Northwest Indiana

When President Joe Biden signed the $1.7 trillion bipartisan omnibus spending bill last Thursday, a lot of happy people in the Duneland area greeted the news. More than $20 million of those funds are earmarked for projects in Northwest Indiana.

Rep. Frank J. Mrvan (D-IN 1st District) made the announcement before the bill was signed, in order to thank community partners who advocated for receipt of funds for services throughout the region.

The following Community Project Funding requests were included in the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act, which was approved by both the House and the Senate before receiving Biden’s signature.

To restore the shoreline within Indiana Dunes National Park near Mt. Baldy: $1 million.

For water, sanitary sewer, and storm water sewer infrastructure improvements in the Calumet Region: $4.5 million.

For maintenance by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of the Burns Waterway Small Boat Harbor in Portage: $914,000.

To continue repairs on Michigan City’s detached breakwater: $1.02 million.

Some of the projects previously received some funding through the American Rescue Plan Act.

The bill included several transportation projects, including the Gary Chicago International Airport for expansion and to construct a heavy cargo logistics apron for multiple users: $4 million.

For the Central Avenue Reconstruction Project in Portage: $2,360,000.

Funds went to law enforcement, including $400,000 to Porter County Sheriff’s Department for equipment upgrades. The Gary Police Department will receive $1 million for the purchase of in-car and body cameras.

Other funding was for projects involving healthcare. Valparaiso University College of Nursing and Health Professionals will receive $1 million to upgrade its Skills Lab and Simulation Modernization Project, which supports the effort to create a strong pool of trained medical technologists to serve the region’s health needs. St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago will receive $1.5 million for its Cardiovascular Catheterization Table Project, for providing diagnostic and interventional heart and vascular procedures to residents in the community.

Several non-profit organizations received funding as well, including Paladin, Inc., of Michigan City, which serves people with disabilities in Northwest Indiana. To rehabilitate and repurpose its facility, the organization will receive, $1,525,000. In Valparaiso, Opportunity Enterprises will receive $310,000 for new equipment and technology.