Chao hears Indiana pitch for federal South Shore funding

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) - U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao has heard Indiana officials make a pitch for federal funding for $290 million in improvements planned for the South Shore commuter rail line linking South Bend and Chicago.

The South Bend Tribune reports Chao praised the project's bipartisan support Tuesday and the public-private partnership aspect of adding a second track between Gary and Michigan City, but declined to discuss it further with reporters. She met with Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb, members of Indiana's congressional delegation and other officials.

Earlier Tuesday, Chao attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Granger for $200 million in repaving and bridge repairs on the privately run Indiana Toll Road that started last year.

Toll Road chief operating officer Rick Fedder says the project resurfaced 73 miles and rebuilt or repaired 53 bridges.

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Information from: South Bend Tribune, http://www.southbendtribune.com