Bill supporting Lake County projects advances

The House Ways and Means Committee has unanimously approved a bill that supports plans for several projects in Lake County, including a new convention center. Our partners at The Times of Northwest Indiana report the committee made several revisions to Senate Bill 434 that primarily dealt with funding and oversight.

The amended plan would require the state to invest $8 million per year from the $18 million it will receive annually from the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana in Gary beginning in 2025. That funding will be matched locally.

If bill also requires the Lake County Board of Commissioners to solicit proposals for the development and operation of a convention center from July 1, 2023 to May 31, 2024, and make a decision by Dec. 1, 2024 on whether to build a convention center and where it would be located.

Additionally, the Lake County Council would have the opportunity to raise the county’s innkeepers tax from 5% to 10% to support future additions and expenses at the convention center.

The bill would also provide support for the development of a new Metro Center hub in downtown Gary, as well as the demolition of blighted buildings around the Metro Center.

Rep. Hal Slager, R-Schererville, is responsible for leading the revisions to the bill, which several lawmakers said was key to the bill passing out of committee. Slager said he expects more revisions to be made, and additional legislation could be passed next year to help make the projects possible.

The bill now heads to the full House for consideration, with approval expected within the next two weeks.

You can read the full story from The Times of Northwest Indiana’s Dan Carden by clicking here.