(Michigan City, IN) - Efforts are continuing to further develop a major highway interchange outside Michigan City.  Bids have been opened for extending water and sewer underneath Interstate 94.  The lines will go to where Loves Travel Center plans to build along U.S 421 near the old Waste Management Landfill on the south side of the expressway.

Matt Reardon with La Porte County Office of Economic and Community Development said other development like hotels is very possible there as well once water and sewer service is extended.

The lowest bid was received yesterday by the La Porte County Redevelopment Commission.  Running water and sewer to that location was bid at about $4.2 million.  A federal grant is being sought to pay for 80 percent of the work.  If the grant application is not approved, an increase in property tax revenue from that area being further developed will finance the cost, officials said.