U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) recently awarded a $354.6 million grant to the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District's (NICTD) West Lake Corridor Project.

The 7.8-mile West Lake Corridor Project is an extension of the NICTD’s existing South Shore Line commuter rail service between Dyer and Hammond in Indiana, according to a release from the USDOT.

“FTA is proud to join our partners in northern Indiana to improve public transportation and support economic recovery,” K. Jane Williams, FTA deputy administrator, was quoted as saying in the release. “Commuters on the South Shore Line can now look forward to faster and more efficient transit service connecting them to major employers in Chicago, enhancing opportunities for Lake County residents while encouraging economic development locally.”

U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao. said that the hope is that the grant will improve access to jobs, education and critical services for northern Indiana residents.