DUNE PARK -- The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District board unanimously approved a resolution required to apply for a $1 million Transportation Infrastructure Grant for Economic Recovery that will need a $200,000 local match.

NICTD General Manager Gerald Hanas said the grant will pay for yet another study on relocating the South Shore tracks that have run down the middle of 11th Avenue in Michigan City since 1908 to either the north or the south.

Board president Mark Yagelski of LaPorte County said, "Why another study? It's required by law. Things have changed since the study that was done 10 years ago."

"We've been through many versions of this. It's a highly, highly competitive process. That's why I'm not saying what our chances of getting the funds are," said Hanas.

He said the resolution, committing NICTD to putting up $100,000 of the match, was worked out in co-operation with Michigan City officials and is contingent on them putting up the other $100,000.

"We already have got commitments from the Michigan City Economic Development Corp., the Michigan City Redevelopment Commission, and the South Shore freight service," Marketing Director John Parsons said.

Parsons said three already discussed alternatives are being considered:

* Using the Amtrak line on the north side.

* Using the CSX trackage on the south side.

* Keeping the line downtown with the city either vacating the street or NICTD acquiring property along the existing route

"We're going back to review these options in the light of public comments that we've received from the north side-option group," Hanas said.