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La Porte County RDC approves Kingsbury switching agreement, will send draft to Chicago South Shore
Summary
The La Porte County Redevelopment Commission approved a Kingsbury Industrial Park switching agreement authorizing a $200-per-car remittance and maintenance/insurance obligations; commissioners approved the motion and instructed staff to forward the draft to Chicago South Shore for review.
The La Porte County Redevelopment Commission on July 22 approved a Kingsbury Industrial Park (KIP) switching agreement that directs the Chicago South Shore operator to remit $200 per rail car and participate in maintenance and insurance obligations. The motion to approve the agreement was moved by Mister Kessler and seconded by Missus Heath; the commission voted "Aye" and carried the motion.
Mister Reardon, who summarized the history and terms, said the county invested roughly $6,000,000 to connect track at KIP and the $200 fee "will go directly to help offset the county's cost." He described three parts of the draft: remittance, maintenance participation and insurance requirements. Nathan Nikaszakovich, speaking during public comment for Chicago South Shore, cautioned the commission that a plan that "reverts to JBC deciding what goes on ... and we're still gonna get the pleasure of paying the county $200, that's not gonna work." Commissioners and stakeholders asked staff to seek direct negotiations with the railroad if South Shore objects to proposed terms; the commission agreed to send the draft to Chicago South Shore for review.
The agreement is coterminous with related rail contracts through 2028, Reardon said, and was presented as a modest revenue measure to help the county recoup investment in park rail infrastructure. Board members asked staff and counsel to bring a finalized document back next month if substantive edits arise.
