10,000 signatures opposing dunes project delivered to Pence

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Petitions signed by nearly 10,000 opponents of a privatization deal slated to bring restaurants, a banquet center and bars to Indiana Dunes State Park have been delivered to Gov. Mike Pence’s office.

The northwest Indiana environmental group Dunes Action! brought the bundles of signatures to the Republican governor’s office Monday.

Plans to build the amenities on the park’s Lake Michigan beach were put on hold after a state alcohol commission upheld a local ruling that denied a bid by developer Chuck Williams to obtain an alcohol permit.

But the project could be on track if the Legislature approves a bill to circumvent those rulings. The measure has cleared the House and is advancing in the Senate.

If approved by the Legislature, it would become law unless Pence vetoes it.