Northwest Indiana's economy is about to get a shot in the arm. The U.S. Department of Transportation via the Federal Railroad Administration has awarded over $71,300,000 to Indiana for the Indiana Gateway project, an effort to reduce congestion and improve the flow of goods and people through the Region. According to Congressman Peter Visclosky's office, the funds will address critical needs on the Norfolk and Southern Railroad's Chicago Line and the Amtrak Michigan Line. INDOT will be in charge of the work which will include track relocation and reconfiguration, high-speed crossovers, and improvements to signal systems and several other minor projects. Randy Palmateer, of the Northwest Indiana Building and Construction Trades Union says investing in infrastructure will help working families by creating new jobs and strengthening the jobs already here. President and CEO, Bill Hanna of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority says the project will reduce congestion and improve travel times and would further attract new businesses relocating to the area and jobs.