Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb signs South Shore Line transit bill

Governor Eric Holcomb took a ride on the South Shore Line Thursday morning, on his way to officially sign legislation that will double track the line.

Holcomb says doing so will make Northwest Indiana a stronger magnet for jobs and talent coming out of Chicago. Holcomb called the day “a game changer” for all of Indiana, tying the state like never before to the nation’s third-largest economy.

The legislation authorizes the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority to use increment financing. This is to develop areas near rail stations to maximize the economic benefits of double-tracking the existing line between Gary and Michigan City and extending service from Hammond to Dyer.

The visit to the region was Holcomb’s fourth since taking office and his second in one week. The governor promised that there would be “many more” visits to come.