NIRPC Lake Michigan Room
Public Health Presentation - Gabrielle Biciunas
Presentation: Next Level Trails
3.2 Unified Planning Work Program
South Shore Trails – Update
Presentation: Great American Rail Trail
Presentation: Valpo Bike Friendly Community - Chuck Gleason
NWI Paddling Association – Update
Emerging Trends Presentation
Project Updates
General Announcements (upcoming rides, events, etc.)
Members & Guests – Brian Snedecor, Don Ensign, Ed Morales, Dave Shafer, Tom Fath, Brad Enslen, Jenny Orsburn, Bryan McCarty, Dean Button, Christine Williams, Teri Saltzman, Mark Schreiber, Chris Moore, John Novacich, Mark O’Dell, Jeff Sheridan, Dalia Zygas, Kelly Goodpaster, Jake Dammarell.
Staff – Mitch Barloga, Trey Wadsworth, Dominique Edwards, Mary Thorne
Brian Snedecor called the meeting to order at 1:35 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and self-introductions.
The minutes of the February 7, 2018 meeting were approved on a motion by Dave Shafer and a second by John Novacich.
NIRPC Business
Mitch Barloga presented an overview of the NWI 2050 Plan presented the draft NWI 2050 Plan which is out for public comment through April 30. The Plan examines trends and influences of the future including economy and place, environment, mobility, and people and leaders. It identifies strategies to pursue, investments to make, and progress to measure to achieve the vision for the region. This plan provides sixteen critical paths of action to be prepared for Northwestern Indiana’s future. The Plan is online at
https://www.nirpc.org/2040-plan/transportation/2050-plan/. Information includes the Plan Storybook, the Plan in PDF format, a link for comments and information on the open houses and public hearings which will be held during the last full week of April.
Also out for public comment through April 30 is the 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Program. It is on the NIRPC website at under the Transportation/2020-2024 TIP dropdown. All input from the public and the topical committees will be presented in a public comment report.
The Transportation Conformity Determination for the NWI 2050 Plan and 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Program can be found on the NIRPC website under the Environmental - Air Quality drop down. It is also open for public comment through April 30.
Ped
South Shore Trails Update – No report was given.
Pedal
Mitch Barloga gave a presentation about a conference he attended in Bentonville, Arkansas on collaborative regional trail initiatives where rail safety issues were also highlighted. This northwest part of the state has built an impressive network of bicycle
infrastructure, thanks, in part, to the Walton Family Foundation, which is headquartered in Bentonville. That region’s trails comprise a network of about 350 miles of shared-use and mountain biking trails, including more than 130 miles of shared-use paved paths. In 2017, cycling brought an estimated $137 million in economic benefits to the area
Paddle
Mitch Barloga said the Annual Rendezvous will be held at Hawthorne Park in Porter on April 7th at 11:30 a.m. There will be no kayaking.
Mitch Barloga said 11 entities are involved in a single infrastructure project for signage on trails on the Erie Lackawanna Trail in Lake County and the Prairie Duneland Trail in Porter County. It will be let in January. The contractor is Hawk Enterprises.
Teri Saltzman said Purdue is working with Lake Station which is trying to get a grant for a self-serve kayak rental kiosk.
John Novacich said the two phases of the Pennsy project let last month. In answer to a question by John, Mitch said our trail counter program has been on hold, but will resume shortly.
Mark Schreiber said the Chessie Trail was dedicated last Friday. The redecking of the US 35 overpass will be completed in October. La Porte bike rides are June 21, July 19, August 16. Later this year the Clear Lake Trail will be connected to the Chessie Trail.
Jenny Orsburn said they are serving for a design for the Iron Horse Trail Phase 3 and looking at new routes for a trail on streets with in-house funding to connect to Woodland Park. Next month, the City Council will be seeking approval for a park impact fee for trails and plan acquisitions.
The next meeting is scheduled for T hursday, June 6, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. in the Lake
Michigan Room at NIRPC. It was noted that if committee business necessitates, an earlier meeting can be scheduled.
On a motion by Mark O’Dell and a second by John Novacich, Brian Snedecor adjourned the meeting at 2:25 p.m.