Harris legislation to promote Indiana lakefront development passes House

INDIANAPOLIS – Legislation authored by State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago) that serves as a catalyst for lakefront development today passed through the House with bipartisan support.

House Bill 1090 removes the requirements that an oil refinery be located within a municipal lakefront development project and that a municipal lakefront development project must be funded in part with local, state and federal money.

“One of our state's greatest sources of untapped potential is our lakefront,” Harris said.

“Lake Michigan has 45 miles of shoreline in Northern Indiana that we could open up to new businesses, residential areas and tourism attractions. This legislation would boost our state's economy and help our lakefront communities not only recover from the financial burden of the pandemic, but also grow and thrive in the years to come.”

HB 1090 is one of Harris's priorities for the 2021 Legislative Session.

“Economic development is always one of my top priorities, but even more so in budget years,” Harris added.

“A better economy leads to better educational opportunities, financial security and overall quality of life. I'd like to thank my co-authors for their support and collaboration on this bill. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to continue moving HB 1090 through the legislative process.”

The bill passed through the House with a vote of 94-3.