$17 million match funds OK’d for East Chicago waterfront

CROWN POINT, Ind. — The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority has approved spending $17 million in matching funds to revitalize the East Chicago waterfront.

The Times of Munster reports the money will be used for improvements at Jeorse Park Beach and the East Chicago Marina, street and overpass work, and demolition of vacant properties.

East Chicago spokesman Ed Glover says the grant will allow the city to better connect the neighborhood to the Lake Michigan shore and set the stage for economic development. He says the grant along with other city and Indiana Department of Transportation projects should help transform the city.