The town of Burns Harbor wouldn’t be what it is today without the heavy industry that calls it home. But with that industry and the subsequent commercial traffic come inherent risk to the residents who also call it home. Now a $120,000 U.S. Department of Transportation safety grant will help the two coexist even better.
U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-Highland, announced the DOT’s Safe Streets & Roads for All (SS4A) grant Wednesday. The award aims to support plans to implement projects designed to reduce transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries.
“Local roads are dangerous,” said Burns Harbor Town Council President Jennifer McHargue in a news release. “With high volumes of semi-trucks and cars passing by daily, the town is concerned with making Burns Harbor more safe, especially along U.S. 12/20 intersections and at-grade CSX crossings. We will engage residents and a range of partners to understand the safety issues and find innovative ways to build connections that reduce accidents and fatalities.”
“Congratulations to the leaders of the town of Burns Harbor for their successful efforts to secure this federal resource,” Mrvan said in a statement. “I appreciate that this funding will enhance your dedicated initiatives to improve the safety of people, commuters, and commerce traveling throughout Burns Harbor and our region.”
Burns Harbor Redevelopment Commission President Roseann Bozak said families most often drive to leisure destinations like Lakeland Park and the Indiana Dunes National Park because there is no safe way to travel on foot, bike, or motorized wheelchair. “Burns Harbor is a growing community,” she said in the release. “As the population increases, the demand for connected neighborhoods, parks and trails rises.
“Safe and well-connected neighborhoods, businesses and recreation will be a key driver for the long-term economic growth of Burns Harbor and the Northwest Indiana region.”
Previous SS4A grants have been awarded to the cities of East Chicago, Gary and Hammond.
Shelley Jones is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
