Frequently Asked Questions

Why is LaPorte County a good location to build a new intermodal transportation facility?

Only a select group of counties in the entire nation possess the right combination of major transportation lines to be a candidate for a world-class intermodal transportation facility. LaPorte County is one of them.

We are ideally situated near the center of several national and regional transportation arteries. We have three of the major railroads (CSX Corporation, Canadian National Railway Company, and Norfolk Southern Corporation) running through our county, and more interstate highways intersect through our state than any other.

What is an intermodal transportation facility?

An intermodal transportation facility is a state-of-the-art logistics center where trains, trucks and distribution centers come together to create a more efficient delivery system.

Why are intermodal transportation facilities beneficial?

The benefits include faster transportation of goods, cost savings to consumers, manufacturers and distributors, and less pollution from fewer trucks using less gas.

Our regional, state and national economies depend on trade and the efficient flow of goods. Intermodal transportation facilities are becoming an increasingly important part of the nation’s transportation network, and demand for these innovative facilities is growing.

Why would an intermodal transportation facility in LaPorte County be beneficial to the citizens of the county and state?

Private sector investments for these types of developments are a major stimulus for the local and regional economy, not to mention the tax revenues that municipalities collect for important public works projects — such as schools, parks, and fire and police safety.

Intermodal facilities create a large number of high-paying jobs, such as construction and distribution, and the ‘halo effect’ from substantial private sector investments typically increases demand for products and services already being produced in the surrounding area.

Farm products and manufactured goods produced in Indiana would become more competitive by virtue of an intermodal transportation facility, since they would be delivered to customers more quickly and at a lower cost. This includes agricultural products that can be converted into biofuels, which is a growing trend.

Why are County and other local officials, as well as economic development representatives, interested in exploring intermodal transportation facility?

We have a rare opportunity to leverage our unique geographic location. As noted above, several major transportation lines intersect through our area. As trade levels continue to grow — driving demand for more efficient transportation systems — there will be greater interest in intermodal transportation facilities.

Given these growth trends and our unique position, we should not pass up the chance to evaluate the potential of bringing hundreds of millions of dollars of investment to our county, which would benefit our citizens and their children and grandchildren for years to come with high paying jobs and improvements to our public facilities.

As with all interest shown in the economic development of our community in this region, we are interested in exploring these ideas further to determine what an intermodal transportation facility could mean for LaPorte County. It is our responsibility to look for opportunities and consider projects that will bring economic prosperity for as many of our citizens as possible.

Would a new intermodal transportation facility have to be approved before it was built?

Yes. Any new intermodal facility contemplated for LaPorte County would require multiple approvals, including zoning. In addition, the public would have an opportunity to comment and a 21-member task force has already been formed to evaluate proposals that might be brought to the County, though no plans have been submitted yet for consideration. Preliminary discussions have taken place between local officials and various parties interested in a potential intermodal facility, however, these discussions have been only exploratory in nature.

We realize that we must carefully review any potential development and assess its impact on our community and our quality of life. A critical part of any good planning process is to consider the interests of all stakeholders and that is what we absolutely will do. We will make the best decisions possible, recognizing that they will have a significant impact on our future.

What is the due diligence process used by companies exploring this type of development project?

It is common for companies who show an interest in a development project to use confidentiality agreements when they are still in the feasibility stage and have not yet fully developed a proposal.

Obviously, developers need to protect proprietary information that they do not want to get in the hands of their competitors. Accordingly, economic development and other community leaders seeking information often sign such agreements. Honoring these agreements is not only the right thing to do — it also ensures that future developers will be willing to put their trust in local leaders when they share a new business idea that would be beneficial to the community.

When a written proposal is submitted, it will be presented to all of the County officials and leaders responsible for oversight of economic development in LaPorte County, and it will be shared with the public to ensure a thorough understanding of all aspects of any proposed project.

Has a new intermodal transportation facility already been approved?

Absolutely not. Any official proposal to the County must go through a formal and open process. The 21-member task force will be reviewing any proposal submitted. Subsequent to the review by the task force, all necessary public hearings and approvals must be completed consistent with all other development projects.

Where would a facility of this type be located?

That depends on the written proposals submitted to the County, none of which have been received to date.

What about noise and air pollution?

Any potential proposal that would be submitted to the County would be subject to a thorough review of these issues.

Why is there an advisory taskforce?

The County Commissioners have created a 21-member task force to review any proposal that may be submitted regarding an intermodal transportation facility. The taskforce is comprised of a cross section of representatives from LaPorte County. The goal of the task force is to review proposals and consider all aspects in a transparent process that is open to the public.

Names of task force members.

If there are multiple intermodal facilities close by in Chicago and Illinois in general, why would it be necessary to have another one less than 100 miles away in Indiana?

Currently, it can take up to three days for ships docking on the West Coast to reach the Chicagoland area for redeployment East. Unfortunately, due to the intermodal traffic in the city and the fact that the major rail carrier lines are not interconnected, it can take another three to five days for that same cargo to leave the city and move through Indiana for future distribution in the East.

A LaPorte County intermodal transportation facility would help to streamline the delays experienced in Illinois.

Why does that concern me?

As a consumer, it affects you. Given that time is money, more efficiency in the transportation system would result in lower distribution costs that can be passed on to you, the consumer.