United NWI NWI’s diversity is celebrated, and we work together as a community across racial, ethnic, political and cultural lines for the mutual benefit of the region.

Spotlight

NIRPC will be starting a new data collection project to inspect the ADA accessibility of the bus stops throughout the region to build an inventory of needed improvements. This project will entail measuring, reporting the condition, examining signage, and taking additional notes on each bus stop location. NIRPC will be implementing a technology available through their ESRI GIS mapping program. Staff will be visiting each bus stop location and reporting the data through a mobile app that will save the data in map layers accessible to the NIRPC office.   Additionally, the data collector is able to adjust the accuracy of the bus stop location coordinates while in the field. This process will streamline traditional methods of a pen to paper, followed by computer data entry, as well as the ability to attach photos and other important notes in the collection process. The final product of this project will not only fulfill federal requirements but also help the long term improvement of bus stops throughout the region.

Economy and Place

Environment

Mobility

Interesting News! Pick Your Favorite! Indiana Tourism is running a "people's choice" vote for best brewery, trail, and main street in Indiana. Help make an NWI's brewery and trail standout! Vote daily here until November 3rd. Seven NWI breweries and four trails are in the running! The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) released new analysis on walkability in the Chicago region with an inventory of the sidewalk network and its gaps. Would a walkability inventory of Northwestern Indiana be a good planning project to pursue? Yes Select No Select

The Good Neighbor: Neighborhood Ambassador Program has been created to help homeowners in Northwest Indiana reduce septic system failures and the resulting negative impacts to water quality in the Coastal Region. Clean Water Ambassadors share information with homeowners about maintaining septic systems. The program was created by the Septic System Coordination Work Group, with guidance from the Indiana Lake Michigan Coastal Program and Save the Dunes.

Welcome new staff! James Gross has joined the Transportation Team as a fall Intern. James will assist with the ADA Bus Stop Inventory. James is currently studying at Purdue University Northwest for a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology. Employment Opportunity! The Indiana Department of Transportation is hosting a statewide hiring fair on September 17th. Two locations will be recruiting winter workers in NWI: 7601 Melton Rd., Gary, IN 46403 315 E. Boyd Blvd., LaPorte, IN 46350 Click here for more information.

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NIRPC Commission / Executive Board Meeting September 19th 9:00 AM Lake Michigan Room, 6100 Southport Road Portage, IN 46368 Link for more information Can’t make it in person? Watch it on YouTube

National Drive Electric Week EV Ride & Drive September 19th 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM 6100 Southport Road Portage, IN 46368 Link to more info

Share a Comment! An amendment to the 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Program is out for public comment until 9/25/19. To learn more click here and to share a comment click here.

NIRPC Surface Transportation Committee Meeting October 1st 9:00 AM Lake Michigan Room, 6100 Southport Road Portage, IN 46368 Link for more information Questions? Contact Scott Weber at 219-254-2520 Can’t make it in person? Watch it on YouTube

Rail Crossing Task Force Meeting October 1st 1:30 PM Lake Michigan Room, 6100 Southport Road Portage, IN 46368 Questions? Contact Mitch Barloga at 219-254-2518 Link to more info

Funding Opportunity! Lake Michigan Coastal Program Request for Proposals for 2020 Funding Cycle. Applications are due September 16th

NIPRC Environmental Management and Policy Committee Meeting October 3rd 9:00 AM Lake Michigan Room, 6100 Southport Road Portage, IN 46368 Link for more information Questions? Contact Candice Eklund at 219-254-2501 Can’t make it in person? Watch it on YouTube

Walk to School Day October 2nd 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM "Your House to School" Link to more info

Funding Opportunity! Indiana Dunes Tourism is offering $50,000 in grants to attract visitors. Applications are due September 27th

NIPRC Land Use Committee Meeting October 3rd 10:30 AM Dune Room, 6100 Southport Road Portage, IN 46368 Link for more information Questions? Contact Eman Ibrahim at 219-254-2506 Can’t make it in person? Watch it on YouTube

Indiana Department of Transportation Title VI & ADA Summit October 8th 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Government Center South, Conference Room C, 302 W Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN Link to more info

Funding Opportunity! The second round of OCRA Community Development Block Grant funding is open for 2019. Questions? Contact Gabrielle Biciunas at 219-254-2507 Proposals are due October 4th and Final Applications due on November 22nd

NIPRC Ped, Pedal, and Paddle Committee Meeting October 3rd 1:30 PM Dune Room, 6100 Southport Road Portage, IN 46368 Link for more information Contact Mitch Barloga at 219-254-2518 Can’t make it in person? Watch it on YouTube

Diversity and Inclusion Symposium 2019 - Save the Date November 15th Valparaiso University Link for more information

Funding Opportunity! The Federal Railroad Administration announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity for its Consolidate Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grant program. Applications are due October 18, 2019

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Funding Opportunity! The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has announced Round Two of the Next Level Trails initiative of Governor Holcomb. Round Two has $5 million available for local projects and $25 million for regional projects. Applications open on October 1, 2019 and close November 1, 2019

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Funding Opportunity! The Indiana Office of Tourism Development announced today that the application period for its Destination Development Grant program is now open. Grants are available between $50,000 and $250,000. Applications open until December 6, 2019.