Recession causes plans for NW Ind. rail center to stall

HAMMOND, Ind. – Officials say the recession has contributed to stalling the push in northwestern Indiana to land a major truck-and-rail center that could employ thousands of people.

Officials across the area backed an effort that started four years ago to attract facilities for the transfer of freight between trains and trucks, taking advantage of the region’s numerous rail lines into the Chicago area.

The Northwest Indiana Forum’s economic development director said the recession
reduced rail traffic and some of the urgency among railroads to speed up freight transfers. Don Koliboski tells the Northwest Indiana Times of Munster that warehouse construction near rail lines in Illinois also has meant more competition.

A study identified possible rail center sites from Hammond to the area near the LaPorte County town of Union Mills.