Shovels pierced the dirt to commemorate the start of a mitigation project that has been years in the making in Hobart, with a goal of ultimately restoring nearly 350 acres of various native wooded and wetland habitat types.
Rep. Pete Visclosky says the project will improve the environment and the overall economy of the area.
"Two often we look at places such as this as a dumpsite in Northwest Indiana," said Visclosky. "I'm convinced that what you have done today is change that.
Hobart Mayor Brian Snedecor says it took awhile to put the pieces together, but with the work of local, state and federal officials-along with the community- the final result will benefit all.
"This is kind of a text book project that other communities should look at," Snedecor said. "When you get input from so many resources, sometimes it takes longer to get done, but when it gets to the finish line the product will be a good project.
Along with enhancing, restoring, and preserving the Hobart Marsh, the project will improve structural components with new signs, fences, off road vehicle barriers and three new visitor parking lots, one each on the Bailey SE, Bundalo and Quail Hollow tracts.