http://www.state.in.us/legislative/hdpr/R6_09111998.html
Bauer and other members of the State Budget Committee are expected to approve the appropriation during the group's monthly business meeting Tuesday (September 15) at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis.
"This appropriation to the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) will be used to match $16 million in federal funds to purchase up to 10 new cars for the South Shore," Bauer said. "At present, the cars are filled to capacity during rush hour, so additional units will help relieve the crush on the service and make passengers more comfortable."
In recent years, Bauer has used his position on the influential House Ways and Means Committee to secure financial assistance for NICTD, which serves a number of counties in northwest Indiana.
Much of that funding has come through the Build Indiana Fund, which channels proceeds from the state's gaming industry toward local improvements, but Bauer said the $3 million appropriation set for approval on Tuesday will come from the state budget's general fund.
"As mass transit systems become a more viable means of long-term public transportation, it becomes imperative for state government to take a more active role in developing those systems, which make travel easier and reduce environmental risks," Bauer said.
"Over the past few years, the state has agreed to make a number of improvements to benefit mass transit through NICTD, including rehabilitating tracks, overhauling passenger cars and updating infrastructure," he continued. "The federal government has been extremely supportive in these efforts, and I am always pleased when we are able to bring more federal dollars back to Indiana."