Mission

Prevent establishment and growth of ultra large scale logistics facilities in LaPorte County, IN, in order to preserve the overall rural character and nature of the specific areas being targeted.

Objectives & Goals

Research collate, and present compelling factual information, opposing argument and insight, to the general public, key decision makers and interested elected officials. This is required to offset, counter and overcome arguments put forth by proponents of such projects.

SISOC is the organized, coordinated and recognized conduit for citizens opposing development of large scale logistics facilities in LaPorte County, IN.

Background

Sketchy details of two separate possible proposals emerged after stories surfaced about approaches made to local farmers about cash options for their land. Those farmers that had signed the options were bound by confidentiality agreements, but several others who had not, were free to talk openly. It thus became clear from what had been said by the commercial real estate company fronting the operation (Cressy & Everett) that between approximately 3,500 and 10,000 acres of farmland was being targeted for the establishment of a major logistics facility. Part of the plan was to include an “intermodal” hub to serve one or more of three major railroads passing through the county.

Intermodals (literally, 'between modes') are inland ports where containers are transferred from one form of transport to another. Often, rail to road based facilities are surrounded by enormous private warehousing operations, so that the primary containers make only a short trip. Onward shipping of items (to retail stores for example) takes the form of regular trucking.

The shear scale of the project, likely location, and extent of the secrecy, surrounding it led to public outcry. Several spirited citizens initiated various opposition and publicity efforts. The opposition coalesced into one called ‘Stop Intermodals – Save Our County’, or ‘SISOC’ in the late summer of 2007.

SISOC members undertook considerable desk research, plus field visits to a regionally local facility - described as a model for the LaPorte proposal(s), attendance at an intermodal location training symposium in California and at a logistics summit in Indianapolis.

SISOC is an entirely volunteer group, funded out of pocket by its members and driven a passion to explain and convince why this kind of development is wholly inappropriate for LaPorte County.

In September of 2007, a 21-member group called the Intermodal Task Force was assembled under the auspices of county attorney, Shaw Friedman. While ostensibly presented as an independent local review group, a large proportion of the members, and / or the companies they represent stand to gain commercially from such developments.

These members include, but may not be limited to:
Dave Christian - La Porte and Indiana Manufacturers Association Chairman (and Chair of the Task Force)
Don Babcock - NIPSCO Economic Development Director
Henry Lampe - South Shore Freight CEO
Gary Husky - Building Trades Unions
Bill Turner - Teamsters Local 135 representative
Joe Coar - Tonn & Blank Construction
David Chlebek- United Steelworkers

La Porte County Economic Development Consultant Matt Reardon was offered up to the Intermodal Task Force as a resource for the members to consult with.  Not widely known is that Mr. Reardon is also partner of Short Elliott Hendrickson of Munster, IN, which profits from engineering, consulting and planning such developments. In SISOC’s opinion this represents a conflict of interest, especially given that no openly opposing resource was offered up in a similar capacity.

In late November 2007, SISOC via direct contact with the three major railroads, confirmed none them was interested in an intermodal facility in LaPorte. LaPorte County officials seemed stunned by the news, yet all it took was a few ‘phone calls. An announcement soon followed that the Intermodal Task Force was changing its name to the ‘Logistics Task Force.’ To date, the Task Force has communicated little about its findings or conclusions.

By the summer of 2008, still no firm proposals have been made public, yet the Task Force continues, as do community rumours concerning further expansion of land options.

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Last modified: 7/30/08