Commission hears updates on Kingsbury Industrial Park rail, data‑center prospects and US‑421/I‑94 projects
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Summary
Commission staff reported JBC Rail’s Class‑3 designation and pending CN contracts, described a denied injection‑well proposal, said NIPSCO will provide an energy‑cost study funded from prior settlements (about $5 million available), and approved a $1,400 electrical repair to a lift station tied to the US‑421/I‑94 project.
LaPorte County Redevelopment Commission members heard project updates on Jan. 28 that touched on rail operations, potential data‑center recruitment, and utility work in multiple tax‑increment finance (TIF) districts.
Mister Reardon told the commission that JBC Rail has received notification that it is a Class‑3 rail carrier and is finalizing contracts with CN Railroad to move cars through Kingsbury Industrial Park. He said the Federal Railroad Administration requires an operations manual and safety procedures; the county expects to distribute the manual and easements and provide consistent guidance to businesses in the park.
Reardon also described a proposed deep injection well for nonhazardous industrial wastewater that was brought before the Board of Zoning Appeals and denied. He said the economic‑development office stays neutral on such proposals but noted the BZA’s denial was consistent with findings that the project would not have benefited public health and welfare.
On energy costs and data‑center recruitment, staff have asked NIPSCO to perform a study to identify the cost to developers to power potential sites in Kingsbury; Reardon said the study will be paid for from funds tied to earlier rate‑case settlements and that “there’s a lot of millions that the county isn’t paying,” with approximately $5 million mentioned as available to support projects in the park. The study aims to give prospective developers clearer information about infrastructure and costs so they can make site decisions.
Regarding the US‑421/I‑94 corridor, Reardon reported the bond payment was made and described ongoing construction, including a hotel that remains closed pending elevator work. He recommended approving a $1,400 electrical repair to an overheating switch at a lift station so that the multimillion‑dollar project would not be delayed; the commission approved the motion and asked that the contractor submit invoices to the claims docket.
Reardon said discussions continue with Michigan City about utility extensions and that INDOT had stated certain land is not surplus property in response to a proposed land swap; staff will report back on further developments.
Next steps: staff will seek the NIPSCO study results and continue coordination with CN Railroad, Michigan City and INDOT as projects progress.