Photo: Wendy Thoms - Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels

Speaking at the logistics summit in Indianapolis, Gov. Daniels stresses the need to remain on the leading edge of transportation development

INDIANAPOLIS -- Local leaders in attendance at the Indiana Logistics Summit Tuesday and this morning heard about the need for infrastructure improvements throughout the state to support advanced economic development.

A large contingent of local leaders are attending the annual summit this week in hopes of learning more about a possible rail intermodal facility in La Porte County. In attendance this morning to listen to opening remarks from, among others, Gov. Mitch Daniels and Rich Cooper, executive director of Ports of Indiana, were La Porte County Councilmen Jerry Cooley and Mark Ludlow, as well as county commissioners Barbara Huston and Bill Hager.

In addition to the need for vast infrastructure improvements, those in attendance this morning were informed of the need for the state to pursue progressive transportation modes.

"Bringing different modes of transportation increases economic development," Cooper told the nearly 150 people in attendance. "Advance economic development comes with an advanced intermodal system."

Although intermodal development was certainly discussed during the summit's opening day Tuesday -- and certainly will be discussed in today's sessions -- local officials stressed that the conference is about logistics as a whole.

"I think a lot of people had a concept that this was only about intermodals," Ludlow told The La Porte County Herald-Argus this morning. "This is about moving products and how products get in and out of the state."

Daniels stressed the development of forward-thinking transportation concepts.

"Indiana has enormous opportunity in what you have come together to talk about," Daniels said. "Why are we winning (in logistics)? It comes down to location."

It is Indiana's strategic location that many at the summit hope will take it to the next level economically.

"It's all about keeping Indiana the 'Crossroads of America,'" Ludlow said.

Copyright (c) 2007 The Herald Argus Publishing Co., L.L.C., All Rights Reserved.