For immediate release:
March 4, 2008
Harris measure to expedite shoreline redevelopment becomes law
INDIANAPOLIS —— Legislation introduced by State Rep. Earl Harris (D-East Chicago) that adds two members to the Shoreline Development Commission (SDC) was signed into law yesterday by Gov. Mitch Daniels.
House Enrolled Act 1227 would add one new representative from the Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) and the port director for the Port of Indiana—Burns Harbor to the SDC.
"This legislation will help enable the Shoreline Development Commission to speed up redevelopment plans," Harris said. "The additional representatives will give the SDC the strength to move to the next planned initiative, which is a development effort in a 600-acre area near Bluffington Harbor in Gary. This includes a former NIPSCO plant.
"It is extremely important that we do not waste any time. This area is very important to Indiana's tourism and travel industries," Harris continued.
The SDC was established in 2001 to ensure that all construction on the Lake Michigan shoreline is environmentally sound. The commission is responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating all environmental management projects.
Harris said that the SDC has the potential to be a huge economic tool for Indiana. In Northwest Indiana, the SDC can be very useful in helping businesses along the shoreline to diversify.
During the committee hearing on this issue, the Indiana Port Commission and the Lake County Convention and Visitors Bureau spoke in support of House Enrolled Act 1227.
Harris said that this legislation is especially timely given the General Assembly's long-term goals to protect the Great Lakes region and encourage local business growth.
"I want to thank my colleagues in both the House and Senate for their support of this issue," Harris said. "I also appreciate the governor's quick response."
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