Anti Illiana Expressway Group Joins With Anti Intermodal Coalition

A group that opposes the proposed Illiana Expressway has joined forces with a LaPorte, Indiana activist group opposed to a proposed Norfolk Southern intermodal rail yard in Union Mills, reports nwi.com.

"We have mutual goals because the wolf is at the back door. There's the obvious connection between the intermodal and the Illiana Expressway. This is by no means won. We know it's coming back and if either project goes through, the other will follow," (said Dave) Ahlberg (of Citizens Against the Privitized Illiana Tollroad).

(Ty) Murray, a business and property owner, said: "We are not opposed to jobs and growth for the community, but this is literally taking LaPorte and transforming it to the likes of East Chicago. We don't want our community to go from a rural community to an industrial community."

WNDU South Bend reports that the intermodal facility has tapped former Democratic Governor Joe Kernan as a consultant.

Writes the South Bend Tribune:

Kernan said intermodals can be strong economic development engines, creating jobs while also reducing tractor-trailer traffic on roads and highways. He said northwestern Indiana is an ideal place for such a project.

"Its proximity to Chicago and multiple railroad lines that connect to Chicago gives it the opportunity for the right kind of facility to be created," he said.

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Tech Tags: Illiana Illiana+Expressway Illiana+Legislation Illiana+Toll+Road Interstate Transportation Public+Private+Toll+Roads Intermodal Stop Intermodal Save Our County LaPorte Union Mills Joe Kernan