(La Porte, IN) - The City of La Porte has taken another step toward updating the infrastructure along a stretch of Indiana 39 annexed last year.

The city’s Redevelopment Commission yesterday voted to reach out to a financial consulting group, Baker Tilley & Associates, to lead them through the process of financing the improvements.

The upgrades promised by the city prior to annexation of the 39 North Conservancy District are aimed at increasing water capacity to allow for additional development and improve fire protection.  

City Planner Craig Phillips said hiring experts is a standard procedure when financing any major work because of the complicated nature of taking on and retiring debt.  

“It’s the same engagement we’ve had with other projects in the past for similar financing assistance,” he said.

In this case, the cost of the work is expected to be above $10 million.

A site beside the Indiana Toll Road has already been chosen for the water tower expected to go up next year.