D.C. group talks river development

WASHINGTON, D.C (WLFI) - A delegation from Greater Lafayette Commerce met with Senator Richard Lugar and Congressman Brad Ellsworth Thursday in Washington.

National issues, including healthcare reform, dominated the agenda.

Senator Richard Lugar (R) showed a presentation which included a macro view of the congressional agenda, including nuclear proliferation, cap and trade, and healthcare reform. When questioned about high speed rail in indiana, Lugar said he would continue working for funding.

"I know in the case of the Lafayette project, I know we've visited about that before and we've been successful in suggesting what we call an 'earmark' - with whatever denigration that seems to bring - but some money has come for the project and we're prepared to work with you," said Lugar.

Congressman Brad Ellsworth (D) would not allow us into his meeting with the delegation but he did tell us afterwards that he is interested in Wabash River development.

"Basically, it was, 'Hey, don't forget the project is progressing, but it's going to take federal help on that.' There's some planning stages going on. It's a slow project, unfortunately, we'd like to see it get done quicker, but want to work with those groups to make sure we continue that and make sure we get the project," said Ellsworth.

Stan Lambert, with the Wabash River Enhancement Corp. said he had been keeping the congressman updated on the progress of the project.

"I've been meeting with him over the last three or four years, whenever we come out to Washington D.C. and I come out and give him an update. Because as we wrap up planning in Tippecanoe County and start into the development phase in Tippecanoe County, we'll move planning on into Fountain and Warren counties which are in his current congressional district," said Lambert

The delegation returns friday after seeing a Potomac Riverfront project and meeting with its architects, who are also working on a Wabash River project.