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Press Release
For Immediate Release
Gary, IND. The City of Gary’s “Relight the City" initiative managed by the Public Works department is underway, bringing long-awaited improvements to streetlights across the community. This project is funded with $3.45M in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated through an ordinance authored by the Melton Administration and approved by the Gary Common Council in 2024.
The project addresses decades of inadequate lighting and modernizing the city’s infrastructure.
“For over two decades, our residents have raised concerns about the state of our streetlights in Gary. The Melton Administration recognizes that working streetlights play a critical role in ensuring public safety,” stated Mayor Melton. “Today, we’re taking action with our Relight the City Program. Thanks to the Biden Administration’s support, we are leveraging American Rescue Plan Act dollars to relight our city, one streetlight at a time.”
In March 2024, the city partnered with TWiG Technologies to audit approximately 2,000 streetlights. The audit identified which lights required replacement, which needed LED upgrades, and areas with high outage rates. This data, combined with coordination with NIPSCO, helped prioritize repairs and upgrades. Midwestern Electric, the contractor for this project, will address over 2,000 assets and over 150 pole replacements.
Phase 1 of the project kicked off on January 6, 2025, at the intersection of Grant Street and Ridge Road. This phase will focus on relighting Broadway, 5th Avenue, 4th Avenue, Grant Street, and Ridge Road.
Phase 2, which focuses on residential neighborhoods will be worked on simultaneously. Crews will continue replacing all non-LED lights until every audited city-owned light has been upgraded.
“Upgrading to energy-efficient LED lighting not only reduces long-term costs but also provides significant environmental benefits," said City Engineer William Allen. "LEDs last much longer than compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), consume less energy, and produce less waste. Unlike CFLs, which contain hazardous materials like mercury, LEDs are safer for the environment and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.”
“Functional streetlights are essential for safety, improving visibility, reducing accidents, and deterring crime,” stated Mayor Melton. "When streetlights are outdated or malfunctioning, they pose a serious threat to public safety and the overall well-being of our communities. These upgrades are essential for creating a safer, more secure environment that benefits everyone.”
The Relight the City project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
Media Contact:
Erika Blackwell
off: (219) 806-6489
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