RAIL FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION AND REGIONAL ECONOMY: A CASE STUDY OF NORTHWEST INDIANA

An understanding of the role of transportation improvements in economic revitalization of a region requires examination of the relationship between rail freight transportation and the local economy. A case study using northwest Indiana is being performed to determine the dependence of the region on rail. A brief summary of the rail network, railroad operations, and the commodity flow by rail in northwest Indiana is presented. The impact of rail on three potential longrange scenarios for economic development in northwest Indiana is also discussed along with the conclusions that can be reached on the basis of the present study.