, ITR CONCESSION COMPANY LLC COMPANY CONCESSION ITR TABLE OF CONTENTS

OVERVIEW Message from the CEO 4 About ITRCC 7 Our Investors 7 Board of Directors 7

SAFETY Safety in a Time of Covid-19 9 StormReady® and Willing 10 Weathering New Relationships 10 Protecting the Press 11 Driving Safety Forward 12 Earlier Ice Detection 12 Smarter Incident Response 13 Intelligent Travel Connections 13 Enhancing Visibility 13

EMPLOYEES Equipped for Anything 15 Cultivating a Healthy Culture 17 Delivering Wellness, Virtually 17 Beyond the Workplace 17

CUSTOMERS Small Changes, Big Differences 19 Charging Toward the Future 19 Our Essential Services 20 Intelligent Alerts for Intelligent Transportation 21 Brightening the Journey 21

COMMUNITY Supporting Our Local Schools 23 Building Connections 24 Delivering Growth 25 Preserving the Barker Woods 26 From Surf to School 27 Pushing Past the Headwinds 28 Child Safety on the Road 28

ENVIRONMENT Sharing Lessons for Clean Cities 31 Redesigning Domes for a Safer Environment 32 Setting a Model for Green Buildings 32 Leading on Sustainability 33

FUTURE Safety and Diversity 35 Employees and Customers 36 Community and Environment 37 2 MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

them with masks, cleaning supplies, and clear and timely guidance. As our staff adapted to school closings, virtual schooling, and remote work for many, we provided the tools for them to succeed in their roles and supported them in the best interests of their Dear stakeholders: safety, and the safety of their families.

As we look back on an unprecedented year, I present our 2020 Sustainability Report on And as the communities we connect across Northern faced dramatic behalf of ITR Concession Company (ITRCC), with deep appreciation for our employees, difficulties, with schools affected and many local businesses struggling to stay open, our customers, and the communities that the Indiana connects across we sought ways to support them. Managing such a critical roadway, we understand the — and across the United States. Working through the challenges importance of creating an environment that feels as close to “business as usual” during and risks posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, we have invested great care to ensure the these most unusual times. For students and their families across Indiana, we increased Toll Road remains the most efficient and reliable route for drivers, with an unrivaled our support for school lunch programs, which became all the more pressing for many commitment to safety and stability during such uncertain times. families as students stayed home.

Our employees have been remarkable at adapting and persevering in the face of Beyond our local footprint, the pandemic has helped to remind many of us of the unimagined challenges, and I’m proud of the high standards we have set for customer connections we share across the country and around the world. Whether in confronting service, community engagement, and sustainability. This report highlights the initiatives Covid-19 or improving the health of our environment, we strive to set an example in our that kept our vision clear and steady — working through today's hurdles while continuing communities and to see just how much our decisions affect others, both near and far. to build for the future. Every step we can take makes a difference. You’ll read more about our efforts to green our fleet and embrace the highest LEED-certified standards for our building practices. Despite Covid-19, we remain committed to our focus on empowering economic growth. We understand how much the choices we make now will affect our future — and our As the severity of the pandemic came to the surface in March, we quickly witnessed communities. a dramatic change in our traffic patterns, which only reinforced how important a safe and well-maintained roadway is to emergency workers and first responders. As truck As we continue to manage through such uncertainty around us and work toward drivers returned to pre-pandemic levels, we helped get them from point A to point B, as building a better future, we remain dedicated to doing our part to ensure the safety of they are a bellwether of our country's economic health. Our investments in technology our customers, vendors, and employees while keeping our state and country connected and road quality improvements — and our dedication to supporting local businesses in and moving forward. Northern Indiana — have helped sustain a region that has not backed down in the face of adversity.

As commuters and travelers returned to the road, we recognize the trust they have placed in us to provide them with a safe route. We rapidly deployed updated disinfection procedures and enforced social distancing to ensure our customers and employees understand how important their health and safety are to us. We also imbued our ongoing NIC BARR maintenance and improvement work along the roadway with the same care for others. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER To help our employees weather this storm in the best possible position, we provided

4 5 Opened in 1956, the Toll Road crosses seven About ITRCC

counties between the and borders Established in 2006, ITRCC is responsible for the construction, maintenance, repair, and operation of the 157-mile Toll Road. Headquartered in Elkhart, the Toll Road spans Northern Indiana, linking with the Eastern Seaboard. Designated as part of /90, the Toll Road serves as a vital transportation link in the Midwest.

Our Investors

ITRCC is owned by a group of world-leading pension funds and other like-minded investors with a focus on long-term and sustainable investment commitments, combined with strategies to deliver results that directly support millions of public employees, retirees, and their families.

Supporting freight, long-haul truckers, commuters, travelers, and more

A vital link between the Midwest and the Northeast Board of Directors

The regions we connect are home to more than 124 million people and account for more Dennis Oklak Renae Conley Ken Daley Lisa Greer Michael Kulper May Soh than 40% of the U.S. national GDP Independent Quateman Chairperson

6 7 Safety in a Time of Covid-19

As international news outlets reported on early became the norm, we redistributed our workforce outbreaks of Covid-19 overseas, we quickly began and rethought our workplaces. All employees with to put plans and procedures in place. Committed the ability to work remotely were asked to do so, and to supporting the needs of the communities we we introduced new protocols to protect essential staff connect, we acted to minimize the risks posed whose roles required them to continue working on by the pandemic. Like so many others across the location. All of our buildings implemented “platoon United States, in March we began to witness the policies” to keep the same groups of employees significance and severity of the public health threat together in a “social bubble” designed to minimize as it transformed the world around us — with the loss the risk of exposure across our greater workforce. of loved ones, feelings of uncertainty, and lives and travels put on hold across the country. These changes were made easier because we instituted flexible shifts that gave employees the Even with stay-in-place orders in effect, the Toll Road opportunity to work outside of their traditional has remained a vital corridor for the region. Doctors, schedules. For any ITRCC employees who needed to nurses, and other essential workers travel back and visit their workplace, we required health screenings forth daily as they play instrumental roles in fighting and temperature checks at all of our facilities. We the pandemic and caring for those who are suffering. provide masks, face shields, hand sanitizer, and other And our roadway continues to serve as an economic cleaning supplies. anchor, especially as truck drivers count on us — within the Midwest, and as a critical link to keep supply The pandemic initially affected traffic on the Toll chains running nationwide. Although toll collectors Road, a result of the wide-scale changes in individual are staffed at major plazas, we encourage drivers to behavior and a general decrease in travel across the use E-ZPass or our automatic payment machines to United States. But as vehicle numbers returned to SAFETY reduce the risk of virus transmission. With a goal of normal levels, many of the changes we embraced keeping everybody safe, we have doubled down on right away became even more critical to maintaining our health and safety efforts and cleaning services. health and safety over the longer term. We continue We pride ourselves in maintaining stringent standards and to provide reliable services and clean facilities for our To support our employees during this worrisome time, customers and our employees alike — and in doing protocols when it comes to safety, and the pandemic highlighted we are able to make decisions quickly to continue so, we’ve been able to ensure the Toll Road remains how critical these efforts are for everybody along the Toll Road — protecting their health and safety. As social distancing dependable no matter the challenges surrounding us. including our customers, partners, and employees. In 2020, we expanded upon our safety efforts with improved protocols and technologies as well as collaborating on educational seminars and HOW WE SUPPORTED OUR EMPLOYEES workshops. Fostering these partnerships remains vital as motorists No job cuts One-time Health and Additional Flexible or furloughs — bonus wellness enjoy their journeys safely and employees feel comfortable in a safe sick time scheduling staff remained provided for screenings working environment. made designed for employed with essential organized available safety full pay employees for all 8 9 StormReady® and Willing

For many years, Sue Oldenburg wouldn’t go to bed Our Traffic Management Center likewise uses this until she watched the weather report on the 11 insight to make staffing decisions, move toll attendants o’clock news. Managing operations at our Traffic or maintenance crews, and help our teams prepare Management Center, she leads a team responsible every mile of the Toll Road for every weather change. for looking after the safety and well-being of motorists and employees along the entirety of the Toll Road. We’re continuing to invest in the technology and Now, Oldenburg’s team carefully monitors the expertise necessary to strengthen our weather- weather across Northern Indiana 24 hours a day. tracking efforts. Our Traffic Management Center Thanks to a relationship with the National Weather is deploying even more weather radios along the Service, ITRCC became “StormReady” in 2020 — fully Toll Road and to make sure that all ITRCC staff equipped to anticipate upcoming conditions. have access to immediate weather data. We’re also developing new programs to detect patches of black The National Weather Service developed its ice — a thin, dangerous, and difficult to spot layer of StormReady program to help communities across the ice that increases the risk of cars skidding. United States prepare for increasing vulnerability to extreme weather. To be recognized as StormReady, We’ve come a long way from relying on the nightly organizations need to meet a strict set of news to determine our weather strategy. As we look requirements. to the road ahead, we’re well-prepared to manage before, during, and after emergency conditions and to In the case of ITRCC, our investments in safety over take the right actions to protect property and save lives. the past five years meant we had already met or exceeded these guidelines. For instance, our Traffic Protecting the Press Management Center maintains a warning point and Weathering New Relationships emergency operations 24 hours a day, with multiple Especially during emergencies, our local media covering any event on the Toll Road — including ways to communicate to the public. We also promote outlets provide essential reporting and timely protective equipment for individuals and vehicles, Since the Toll Road covers a range of weather across the importance of weather-readiness through regular information to the communities we connect along parking instructions, and essential safety protocols. two time zones, we established new relationships seminars for our employees. the Toll Road. Given the risks that can accompany with the National Weather Service branches in accidents, other incidents, and inclement weather, Following a successful launch, in February we Northern Indiana and in Chicago. Having direct Early in 2020, we met the National Weather Service’s our Traffic Management Center, communications expanded our program when ABC57 invited ITRCC to lines of communication open with both hubs allows final requirement when we deployed our first system department, and environmental health and safety its studios in South Bend to host a follow-up training. for a proactive approach when it comes to quickly to actively monitor conditions. By positioning a set of department worked closely with the Indiana State More than 40 additional journalists participated. analyzing weather patterns and adapting our weather radios along the Toll Road, we’re now able Police to develop a safety program designed to better emergency response. to provide up-to-the-moment information across our protect journalists, emergency responders, travelers With Covid-19 limiting in-person workshops, three largest toll plazas and five maintenance barns. along the Toll Road, and our employees. we developed an online model to continue With so much information now readily available, This development means that ITRCC’s staff can work communicating critical information, strengthen our and as our Traffic Management Center enhances county by county across Northern Indiana to ensure In January, we welcomed more than 30 news relationships with the media, and advance our shared our Intelligent Transportation System message travelers, employees, and emergency responders are directors, reporters, photographers, and on-air interest in ensuring safety. boards, we can better pass information along to our aware of the potential for tornadoes, heavy winds, and talent to our Administration Building in Elkhart to customers and employees. This influx of useful data snowfall. participate in an initial training session. Building on also helps us keep our neighbors informed across an earlier trial run with the , we seven counties. explained proper emergency procedures for media 10 11 Driving Safety Forward Smarter Incident Response Enhancing Road Visibility

Enhanced warning signage on sharp curves, a The Federal Highway Administration bills its National Rapidly changing conditions in Northern Indiana new truck-rollover prevention system, and a wrong- Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Training as "a can make road visibility challenging, especially at way driver detection and alert system — these program created by responders for responders," and night and during inclement weather. While high- technological advances, all of which ITRCC rolled out ITRCC continues to invest in this industry-leading tech solutions play a part in advancing safety, so do in 2020, have the potential to dramatically improve safety initiative to ensure our staff are equipped low-tech improvements like reflective curve signage safety for everybody along the Toll Road while for emergencies. Featuring tabletop exercises and high-visibility road markings. In fact, after we providing a better experience for customers and with demonstration scenes, instructors detail the expanded these kinds of visual aids in 2020, we’ve employees alike. best possible actions to take when witnessing and seen positive indicators that they’re working as assessing an active traffic incident. intended: drivers are remaining in their lanes more In late 2019, our environmental health and safety often, keeping our roadway safer. team identified an extended sweeping curve in South Empowering our employees from diverse functions, Bend that posed particular challenges for drivers this training helps to instill necessary knowledge We also simplified the signage at our toll plazas in during winter months when weather conditions make about road safety, which helps reduce lane closure Eastpoint, Portage, and Westpoint — the toll plazas it difficult to identify with standard signage. times and secondary crashes. The TIM program has where we see our highest traffic. These simpler signs also helped us bring multiple disciplines up to the are making it easier for drivers to identify E-ZPass Since then, we installed a new signage package same level of dialogue, which helps our teams better lanes and to be earlier, faster, and smarter about that incorporates a series of coordinated flashing coordinate during and after incidents. switching lanes ahead of reaching the toll booths. lights to reinforce the need for drivers to slow down Again, preliminary data indicates we're already seeing while approaching and taking the turn — particularly a significant reduction in the frequency of incidents beneficial during rain and snow. Intelligent Travel Connections within a half mile of our main-line plazas. Additional monitoring is needed to measure the overall success We've already seen a 95% reduction in accidents on of this program and inform our future deployments. Historically, ITRCC has been limited in our ability this curve. With additional installations deployed in Earlier Ice Detection to share essential information with drivers directly. 2020, we consider this pilot program a success. However, an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Winter travelers in many parts of the Midwest are has ushered in a new era of enhanced visibility Similarly, our deployment in June of a wrong-way familiar with black ice, which is especially difficult PROTECTING OUR and improved communication. Dynamic message detection program applied high-tech solutions to low- to identify during nighttime, or when a winter storm boards above the Toll Road can now instantly inform MAINTENANCE STAFF tech efforts. Integrated thermal detectors, high-speed limits visibility. drivers of changing weather or road conditions and cameras, and LED signage complemented traditional During 2020, we expanded our relationship with provide updates and advisories on recent incidents, signage and barriers for an automated warning To pilot a new ice-warning detection system, ITRCC’s the Indiana State Police to further protect our upcoming lane closures, and real-time speed-limit system to immediately alert drivers inadvertently safety staff identified locations that in past years employees working in maintenance areas. To reductions. ensure a smooth and safe journey for customers, approaching the Toll Road the wrong way on an experienced the highest volumes of winter slide- roadway crews often need to venture onto active exit ramp. offs. Using laser technology, this non-invasive system With high-definition cameras, the staff at ITRCC’s to clear debris and repair damages. As identifies black ice and triggers illuminated signs to state troopers are now able to set up near these Traffic Management Center also have access to the Furthermore, this technology notifies both our inform drivers in advance of the detected ice zones. sites, they can provide greater protection. This data they need to manage traffic, weather, and any Traffic Management Center and the Indiana State This notice allows drivers ample time to slow down, partnership has received positive feedback incidents. Within the first year, the ITS program has from our staff and has made a difference in our Police, and our new dynamic message boards can anticipate the otherwise unexpected and slippery already led to a 79% reduction in secondary incidents, maintenance zones, ensuring any necessary quickly inform other drivers about the problem and conditions, and reduce the risk of incidents. In and we're actively expanding the system across all work gets done quickly and safely. potential risk. summer the system can also identify points where 157 miles of the Toll Road. rain may reduce road friction and notify drivers of slick road conditions. 12 13 ,

Equipped for Anything TOP 3 Since the earliest days of ITRCC, we have aimed to LEARNING COURSES empower our employees with regular opportunities for training and professional development. Typically, these programs involved bringing staff together to our 1. A MOTIVATOR'S TOOL KIT Administration Building or another one of our facilities When the chemistry is right, to deliver instruction on safety requirements, new employees and managers can skills, and advanced techniques. In 2020, our Human succeed together. This course Resources department launched our first Learning provides motivational tools Management System (LMS) with a robust library of for not only meeting, but also exceeding, goals. on-demand, digital training modules open to all of our And it explains the various ways in which people employees. experience motivation and create an environment that nurtures quality work. While rolling out our online LMS was long planned, this resource became all the more indispensable as 2. A NEW WAY TO LEARN Covid-19 led to the cancellation of in-person trainings Employee training has evolved and transformed our workplace. With a combination to be more interactive and of built-in tutorials and ITRCC-developed modules, the engaging, and advances in LMS features a repository of nearly a thousand courses workplace technology make covering everything from on-the-job essentials and orientations and company-wide training less software tutorials to lessons in communication, expensive and more efficient for everyone financial management, and leadership skills. ITRCC’s involved. This course offers the best ways to managers can develop their own customized offerings use technology for training, gaining the skills to share with their team, or the entire organization. necessary to make digital learning accessible and informative. In July, we held our first all-digital annual training, with mandatory information about diversity and inclusion and creating a workplace free from harassment. Our 3. BUDGET LIKE A BOSS HR team also moved new employee orientations and The LMS provides access to quarterly training sessions online. Using Microsoft courses that extend beyond EMPLOYEES Teams, our employees are now able to tune in from the workplace, and employees select ITRCC facilities or from their homes. Accessible crave this kind of information. on desktop and mobile devices, these digital courses One of the most popular We are thankful to have such a passionate, loyal, and capable team have proven essential during this extended period of offerings covers the basics of budgeting, outlining of professionals who strive to provide world-class service to the social distancing, and they'll continue to benefit our simple steps to create a stress-free financial life. workforce. millions who travel the Toll Road each year — and who did their part to make a difficult year better for everybody. We are committed to fostering a workplace environment that celebrates the principles of diversity and inclusion, well-being, recognition, and professional development. 15 Cultivating a Healthy Culture Beyond the Workplace

Working to improve the quality of life for Indiana’s When Covid-19 began to escalate across the residents in partnership with employers and communities we connect, our 2020 wellness plans communities across the state, the Wellness were disrupted. With all in-person activities cancelled, Council of Indiana runs an annual AchieveWELL we recognized that the public health crisis could program designed to assess, evaluate, and create immense emotional strain on our employees recognize "workplace wellness." In 2020, ITRCC and their loved ones. was commended by the Wellness Council as an AchieveWELL 5-Star Workplace. Adapting to meet their needs, we reassured all staff that they had access to our 24/7 Employee We aim to encourage our employees to take a Assistance Program, which provides counseling to comprehensive view of their health fueled by a anybody experiencing financial or mental stress. personal sense of wellness. For the past five years, we have expanded our ITRCC Wellness Program Even though gyms were closed, a member of ITRCC’s to provide our employees with fitness incentives, Executive Committee began streaming live workouts, support tools for mental health, access to a 24/7 welcoming employees to join in as a way to remain counselor hotline, and educational sessions to assist active and connected while working from home. with such topics as stress management, financial literacy, and healthy sleep habits. After meeting their immediate needs, our focus shifted toward replacing previously scheduled employee For three years running, our program has been events with digital alternatives. For instance, our recognized by the Wellness Council of Indiana standard Health Savings Account (HSA) programming for integrating wellness into our company culture, required employees to meet with a certified dietician culminating in our 5-star status in 2020. to offer an overview of their nutritional habits.

Instead, we provided virtual dietician meetings on our Delivering Wellness, Virtually Microsoft Teams platform, so employees could watch a dietician's presentation and ask questions directly to In September and October, we held the first ITRCC better understand and improve their own nutritional Virtual Wellness Fairs to offer our employees health. This kind of education plays an important role resources related to their physical, mental, and to help employees get a comprehensive picture of TO HELP OUR EMPLOYEES create habits that advance well-being, wellness. we partnered with Virgin Pulse to provide company-wide “step” financial well-being. These digital gatherings replaced challenges (tallying how many steps taken each day) alongside our planned in-person events, with time slots available regular tips to improve their overall health. Since introducing the to ensure flexibility around employee schedules. While staff will eventually return to our buildings and Virgin Pulse platform at ITRCC in January 2019, participation from Representatives of a health insurance provider, health work together on in-person initiatives again, we will employees and their family members has grown steadily. With a insurance broker, employee assistance program, and continue to empower them at home as long as that's Virgin Pulse Health Station in our Administration Building, it’s easier where they choose to be. than ever to measure weight and blood pressure daily or weekly, financial institution explained their benefits and how to identify areas for improvement, and to continue monitoring to optimize for their services. these important health factors.

16 17 Small Changes, Big Differences

Drivers usually associate Toll Road improvements with Rolling Prairie. Customers visiting our Wilbur with major construction projects, but many of our Shaw and Knute Rockne travel plazas — both of upgrades in 2020 were much more subtle. We which were rebuilt in 2017 — now have access to DC made several dozen specific improvements targeted power charging stations, making it easier and faster at improving the customer experience at our toll to recharge vehicle batteries while traveling. booths. These changes will be instrumental for future investments. Owners of electric vehicles must keep a close eye on their battery range, tracking their remaining distance We’re also running a variety of pilot programs to until they reach the next charging station. Our new explore the potential benefits of new technologies. electric infrastructure is designed to alleviate this For instance, we’re testing new automatic toll worry, while helping our customers get back on the payment machines that integrate NFC (near-field road quickly. Including Level 3 Charging, known communication) protocols for digital payments, so as “DC fast charging,” our stations can provide customers can pay tolls with their mobile devices. compatible vehicles with 80% charge in just 30 minutes — enough time for travelers to stretch their Other upgrades include refreshing lane equipment legs and enjoy a meal from one of our restaurants. to reduce wait times, and a way to better classify vehicles. Together these incremental upgrades play The charging stations installed along the Toll Road an integral role in maintaining efficient operations also provide online connectivity synced with the — and helping ITRCC test and invest in creating a EVConnect cloud platform, which helps drivers locate seamless experience for all travelers. other charging stations directly from their phones. A smartphone app enables secure payments, provides active charge data, and delivers real-time notifications Charging Toward the Future when vehicles are fully charged.

Our embrace of electric vehicles and charging With millions of drivers switching over to electric stations along the Toll Road will continue to expand, vehicles, a network of electric charging equipment is as our current infrastructure makes it even easier to growing across Northern Indiana. We partnered with deploy new technologies and features in the months South Bend-based Martell Electric to bring electric CUSTOMERS and years ahead. charging infrastructure to our travel plazas, beginning

We devote ourselves to providing an outstanding customer experience. Whether we're assisting customers on the roadway, in toll lanes, over the phone, or via social media, customers are always ITRCC RECEIVED THE IBTTA CERTIFICATE OF MERIT, AWARDED our top priority. With ongoing upgrades to the Toll Road and our FOR OUR SUCCESS THROUGH travel plazas, our commitment is reflected in every mile of our PUSH 2.0 ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS. customers’ journeys. 19 Our Essential Services Intelligent Alerts for Intelligent Transportation As Covid-19 has affected travelers and transformed those who keep our country going. We also rolled traffic patterns along the Toll Road, we have seen out additional procedures and rigorous check- As a critical part of our ongoing effort to limit risks firsthand the great importance of our travel plazas for ups to maintain cleanliness for our customers. from roadway incidents, our Intelligent Transportation everybody driving on our roads. With people across the System (ITS) helped drive a 79% reduction in country staying in place, the decrease in customers Once traffic began returning to the road, our travel secondary incidents, which are caused by primary visiting our locations has further highlighted the plazas adapted by welcoming customers in a limited incidents. And the benefits of ITS extend far beyond necessity of providing clean and dependable places capacity with a choice of take-out meals or outdoor safety. to rest for all of the essential workers who continue to dining. When indoor dining was approved, we depend on our roadway. reopened at 50% capacity to ensure enough space Closed-circuit cameras and dynamic message signs for social distancing and frequent cleaning and (DMS) support our Traffic Management Center in Although we closed convenience stores, restaurants, disinfection. communicating directly with customers, informing and seating areas during the early weeks of the them of upcoming incidents, disabled vehicles, pandemic, our bathrooms and gas stations have As so many travelers rely on the Toll Road to connect snow plows, and more. The new ITS boards extend remained fully operational. With our on-site staffing them with their work and loved ones, we’re proud to coverage, from the border of Illinois to the border numbers temporarily decreased, we have developed have remained open, trusted, and dedicated to getting of Ohio, creating a circuit of cameras and timely new health and safety protocols across all of our travel them where they need to go as safely as possible. message delivery for the corridor. This expanded area plazas to ensure they continue to be safe stops for now has better and faster access to notices warning of inclement weather, reduced-speed signage, and other important information.

Our customer communication efforts were further elevated with improved messaging on social media Brightening the Journey and the installation of 20 new DMS boards. By publishing incident notices and other alerts on Before deploying new technologies across the Toll Facebook and Twitter, we’ve been able to reach our Road, we regularly run tests and pilot programs customers where they are. Thousands of travelers behind the scenes. But one element of our work that subscribe to #ITRAlerts, receiving real-time updates is often overlooked is beautification. We continue on incidents, closures, delays, and other news. to make enhancements both large and small to provide our customers with a better-looking drive. In 2020, we also embedded #ITRAlerts updates Our branding and beautification of toll plazas involve directly into our Traffic Management Center operating cosmetic updates and upgrades such as redesigned procedure. Now, when an incident occurs on the Toll canopies, backlit iconographies, and improved Road, our system automatically alerts the Indiana signage. Overall, these kinds of changes deliver two State Police, dispatches ITR roadway crews, and benefits: creating memorable and enjoyable rest updates our social media followers with the most stops, and better distinguishing E-ZPass lanes and current information and data related to closures and identifying toll plazas along the route. While still in its delays. infancy, our beautification efforts will make further progress in 2021.

20 21 Supporting Our Local Schools and the Students They Serve

As Covid-19 began to dominate headlines across Northern Indiana and the rest of the country, we either postponed or canceled ITRCC's in-person programs and outreach. And we witnessed an obvious and painful need in our communities: More than 47% of students in Indiana receive their meals for free or at a reduced price through the federally-assisted National School Lunch Courtesy of School City of Hammond Program. Many schools also distribute weekend meals for students in need. But as schools closed their doors and moved to online learning, these backpack and snacks programs have become increasingly important for students at home without access to meals provided by their schools.

In March 2020, ITRCC established the Indiana Toll Road – School Food Relief Fund, donating more than $100,000 to help local schools offset the costs related to their school-backpack food initiatives. Courtesy of Tri-Creek Community Schools

Mobilizing our staff to support such an effort, ITRCC quickly identified school districts and backpack and In total, 39 public school districts as well as private and snacks programs in all seven counties we connect charter schools received funds. Every applicant received along the Toll Road corridor. Although we welcomed a minimum of $1,000, with additional funds distributed interest from any school, many of them opted not to to support higher enrollment numbers — up to $14,000 apply for support, instead encouraging us to direct our to cover the cost of starting or sustaining each school’s donations to the districts facing the greatest need that meal programs. COMMUNITY would benefit from the additional boost in funding.

ITRCC’s mission is to make a positive impact not only on those who use the Toll Road, but also in the communities throughout the corridor. “We will be able to provide fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, milk, and shelf-stable food items to the students who need it the most. The take-home meals are essential, helping to cover the ‘food gap’ that We volunteer our time and resources to support local projects and can occur over the weekends when school meals are not provided.” organizations; we invest in relationships with disadvantaged, - Christine Clarahan, Director of Food and Nutrition minority, and women-owned businesses; and we offer employees School City of Hammond, recipient of nearly $10,000 to fund its Grab & Go curbside meal distribution a way to give back to their local communities through paid volunteer hours. 23

Courtesy of Elkhart Community Schools Building Connections Delivering Growth “Diversity is never an accident. You have to actively More than 2 million people call the Toll Road corridor work for it, seeking out and As we welcome motorists from our local communities home. As ITRCC connects these diverse and finding inclusion everywhere and from across the country who rely on the Toll constantly changing communities, we see firsthand you can.” Road for work and personal travel, we’re constantly the benefits of inclusive policies and practices when — Ronalda Minnis, driving growth for Indiana businesses. In 2020, it comes to hiring, supporting our employees, and Founder of Minnis Consulting we embraced a new approach to expanding these creating a welcoming environment for all of our relationships. customers. But how we spend our money makes a difference as well. Ensuring a strong pipeline of several vendor categories and compared our lists The first annual ITRCC Vendor Forum our contractors, vendors, and suppliers is critical — not with the Indiana Department of Administration and Administration Building early in the year brought only to ITRCC’s own success, but also to grow our the Indiana Department of Transportation directories. together nearly 50 regional vendors and contractors regional economy for the long haul. In 2020, we from a range of industries. Some have worked with us collaborated with Minnis Consulting, a supplier- “Once you sort through your data, you have to be for years, and others had not previously participated diversity consultancy, to further strengthen our intentional,” said Minnis. “Diversity is never an in any of our projects. Since our procurement team

relationships with Northern Indiana businesses accident. You have to actively work for it, seeking out manages partnerships and new opportunities, all owned by women, minorities, and veterans. and finding inclusion everywhere you can.” of our guests were able to schedule one-on-one meetings with the procurement staff to explore how “ITRCC has the unique challenge of being 157 miles By the end of the year, ITRCC succeeded in fostering we might work together. During the event, our operations team explained how long,” said founder Ronalda Minnis. “It’s a fascinating a more diverse network of suppliers. With Minnis safety drives our culture, including the importance task to identify a diverse range of suppliers in the assisting on outreach, we met with local XBE of health and wellness. They showcased future communities along the Toll Road, and it’s an even businesses across Northern Indiana to explore opportunities available for contractors and vendors greater challenge to bring them all to the table.” how they could fit into future Toll Road operations. regardless of the size of their business, and outlined Sometimes, these businesses were minority-owned our purchasing strategy and vision over the next Based in , Minnis partners with diverse but weren’t officially XBE-certified. In these cases, five years. Our Chief Operating Officer, Operations business owners and corporations to launch more Minnis was able to work alongside the businesses Manager, Procurement Manager, and Civil effective supplier diversity programs. As a former to pursue this certification, which gives access to Infrastructure Manager appreciated hearing firsthand Deputy Commissioner of Minority and Women our ITRCC supplier diversity program and unlocks from these vendors as they shared their insights. Business Development for the Indiana Department statewide benefits. of Administration, Minnis creates resources that support minority businesses. Our suppliers play a role in all aspects of our business. By strengthening these relationships and sharing In 2020, ITRCC committed to spend 15% of our greater insight with them into our operations, we’re "We’re always working to engage our vendors supplier budget with XBEs (Women, Minority, and able to reaffirm a culture where vendors, contractors, across the road, and now we’re also bringing them Veteran-owned Business Enterprises) — an increased suppliers, and ITRCC all share the same goals in the into our home, giving them an opportunity to learn commitment compared to our previous efforts. near-term and the future. key insights about our upcoming operations and projects." With Minnis, our first step to achieve this goal involved “Staying on a path of inclusion will lead to the right — Rob Steed organizing vendor data and identifying specific areas kind of growth for ITRCC,” said Minnis. “It will also ITRCC Procurement Manager for growth before making financial decisions. With make growth possible in the communities where our ITRCC’s procurement department, we identified partners work and live.”

24 25 Preserving the Barker Woods “We often focus on connecting people from point A to point B, ensuring the Toll Road is the best option ITRCC employee Rob Perkins commits his time as for daily commuters and regular travelers. And our a volunteer with Barker Woods Nature Preserve in company also builds connections along the road, City, working to rebuild and refresh a natural supporting our communities through the entire urban oasis. corridor.” - Rob Perkins, ITRCC Employee Described by the Nature Conservancy as “a small ‘green’ island in an urban residential setting,” Barker Woods Nature Preserve is a rare example of old- growth forest in the heart of Michigan City. Often cut, and reshaped old pieces of metal into serviceable overshadowed by nearby Indiana Dunes National states. He also tapped into his artistic talents to add Park — a more expansive landmark stretching along design flourishes on the repaired windmill and pump. the shore of — Barker Woods features 30 acres of native flora and fauna as well as turn-of- As a result of Rob’s care, locals and visitors alike will the-century buildings. During regular visits to the experience Barker Woods Nature Preserve with new nature preserve, Rob Perkins, a contract and claims life breathed into its century-old technologies. Seeing analyst at ITRCC, noticed how much of the park’s the windmill as “one of the first green technologies From Surf to School infrastructure had fallen into disrepair. He wanted to that continues to serve a vital purpose a hundred help. Two antique marvels of technology at Barker Woods years later,” Rob looks forward to finishing the project As Portage Township Schools (PTS) steered through captured his interest in particular: a classic Aermotor with the help of the ITRCC Roadway crew. With luck, the uncertainty at the start of the 2020-2021 school windmill and a Heller-Aller pump system. Rob saw Barker Woods can showcase his work for all to see in year, ITRCC worked with La Porte-based Surf how both had fallen into disrepair. The windmill, half- 2021. Broadband to ease some of the complexities of virtual buried in the preserve, had lost its blades; the pump learning for the 7,000 students in the school district. also required significant repair.

BARKER WOODS Even before the completion of our expanded fiber- Rob vowed to find a solution, initially as an amateur optic network along the Toll Road, ITRCC collaborated NATURE PRESERVE archaeologist. Painstakingly digging through dirt, he with Surf’s educational division, MapleNet Wireless unearthed the windmill blades and tailfin assembly. Celebrated for its beauty, legacy, and ease of access, Telecom, to lease fiber for this pilot project. Given the this state-dedicated nature preserve features 30 Roughly two-thirds of the windmill’s wheel and blades need for increased bandwidth and network capacity, acres of rare old-growth forest in the midst of an were in working order, and he found that some of the our partnership made it possible for PTS to provide urban landscape. It's a favored destination for many bent metal he resurfaced could be straightened and residents of the greater La Porte County area. Besides the infrastructure that students, faculty, and staff must put to use again. As he inspected the aboveground its natural allure, the buildings date back to the early have for virtual learning. 1900s, including homes styled after its namesake, structure, he identified nuts, bolts, and other hardware Margery Barker, alongside a school, dance hall, garage, that needed to be cleaned and serviced. Then, “When Covid-19 hit, we helped schools maintain carriage house, and pump house. Flowering dogwood looking closely at the Heller-Aller pump system, he and expand their school lunch programs, providing a and shadbush draw visitors who also enjoy the shelter removed the gear box, lubricated the internal gears, of towering oaks, maples, and pines. Woodpeckers, great valuable service for students,” said Nic Barr, ITRCC’s and painted its external housing. horned owls, and a variety of birds sing life into the CEO. “As those students also embrace virtual park. Actively managed by the Shirley Heinze Land Trust learning, we want to ensure local schools are properly and the Save the Dunes Conservation Fund, the Barker Rob invested nearly 100 hours volunteering with Barker equipped.” Woods Nature Preserve welcomes all ages year-round. Woods to repair and revive its historic engineering systems. Working with a homemade forge, he bent,

26 27 Pushing Past the Headwinds Child Safety on the Road

Given the widespread shift toward remote work in Every year, the holidays bring millions of people to the 2020, we confronted another unexpected challenge: Toll Road, and often with the pressure of timing, winter Packaging and delivering items to employees at home, weather, and seasonal stress. In circumstances like across a nearly-200 mile region. these, driver safety taking a backseat carries an even greater risk for the little ones along for the ride. Handling these items (such as branded masks, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration holiday gifts, awards, and other items) quickly grew estimates that 75% of car seats and booster seats out of scope for us. We needed outside help. for children are installed incorrectly, increasing the likelihood of serious injury or even death that should To meet these new needs, we worked with be preventable. TradeWinds, an organization based in Merrillville that provides full-service packing, assembling, and To highlight the importance of child safety during the shipping services, with a meaningful distinction: It's holidays and to keep it top of mind throughout the year, a skills training center for adults with physical and we launched a campaign across our travel plazas to intellectual disabilities. encourage parents to slow down and think about their families. Our communications also explain the proper Our partnership with TradeWinds has streamlined our installation of child and booster seats, informational delivery needs while also making a positive impact on resources, and the basics of safety when traveling our communities by supporting people with special with children as passengers. As we look down the needs to achieve greater independence and dignity. road, we will continue to reinforce how travelers can protect child safety and remind drivers to buckle up: Every age, every seat, every trip.

28 29 Sharing Lessons for Clean Cities

In late February, alternative energy providers, research centers, public media, and others advocates for a sustainable future gathered in Michigan City for the South Shore Clean Cities Annual Conference. As an event sponsor and exhibitor, we reinforced the importance of electric vehicles — and building out an expansive charging network — in Northern Indiana and across the country.

Bill McCall, ITRCC’s Director of Communications, moderated a panel about the infrastructure needed for charging electric vehicles along our region’s roadways. Panelists from the Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO), ChargePoint, and Greenlots debated the challenges of deploying charging stations in accessible locations as well as recent developments in infrastructure and improved battery ranges in electric vehicles. The personal connections we made at the event will help us develop the infrastructure we need now and in the future, well beyond the Toll Road.

ENVIRONMENT

HELD ANNUALLY, THE SOUTH SHORE CLEAN A LONG-TIME PARTNER OF ITRCC, South Shore ITRCC continued to invest in infrastructure and initiatives to CITIES CONFERENCE brings together hundreds of Clean Cities (SSCC) is a non-profit organization guests committed to clean fuels, clean air, and clean based in St. John working to reduce petroleum reduce the impact of our operations on the environment. Our cities. Professional members represent automotive consumption in Northern Indiana’s transportation companies like BMW, Ford, and General Motors, sector. SSCC consultants have helped to guide efforts focused on green building practices, fleet enhancements, electric vehicle charging station companies like the environmental decisions of ITRCC, and the ChargePoint, public utilities like NIPSCO, delivery organization plays a key role in identifying areas for and the rollout of electric charging stations. We see ourselves as companies like UPS, alternative energy companies growth and future environmental success. Together, like Midwest Wind & Solar, and governmental we continue to evaluate the future of electric stewards of the Toll Road for generations to come, and our focus on organizations like the Michiana Area Council of vehicles on the Toll Road and to explore the best environmental sustainability is critical to this commitment. Governments (MACOG). options for charging them. 31 Leading on Sustainability DR. RACHEL NOVICK When Dr. Rachel Novick joined the University of Notre Dame in 2008 to co-found their Office of › Director of the Minor in Sustainability Sustainability, she often answered questions about › Assistant Professor of the Practice › Office of Sustainability, Education & small-scale impacts: Were students leaving lights on Outreach Program Manager in their dorm rooms? Did their to-go sandwich come wrapped in plastic? Sometimes, the tone of these questions conveyed a genuine interest in making In addition to her academic responsibilities, minor improvements. All too often, they seemed like Novick is a LEED Accredited Professional with a not-so-subtle attempts to chide others for their habits. specialization in new construction projects and To Novick, this approach did little to bring about major renovations. In this capacity, she advised meaningful and permanent change. ITRCC on the multidimensional approach behind Redesigning Domes for a Setting a Model for Green the LEED certification process as we developed our “People so often fixate on what’s visible,” said Novick. Administration Building and new travel plazas along Safer Environment Buildings “The lightbulb that’s on too long, the can that went in the roadway. the trash can instead of the recycling bin — but that’s The use of road salt poses a delicate balancing act When we opened our Administration Building in Elkhart not what really matters when it comes to emissions “ITRCC recognized the greater potential in LEED between safety and environmental well-being. During in 2019, we made every effort to design a sustainable and energy savings. We have to be more conscious of Certification,” said Novick. “With ambitions beyond Northern Indiana winters, ITRCC’s roadway crews space for our operations and our employees. In 2020, our invisible use.” environmental impact and financial savings, they spread salt along the Toll Road before storms to we were recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council saw the direct connection between sustainability, decrease the likelihood of snow, rain, or ice melt from with its highest level of certification — LEED Gold, the As a sustainability consultant to ITRCC since 2017, their employees’ experiences, and their relationships freezing on the road. But salt can adversely affect first award in Indiana following the stricter LEED v4 Novick highlights all the impacts our choices have across Northern Indiana.” nearby plant and animal life. guidelines. on the local environment — and in the world at large. She argues the most important action anybody can With Novick’s guidance, ITRCC welcomed high school To better protect plants, animals, and surrounding LEED (Leadership in Energy and take is to build systems that help people. Whether on classes to study the new travel plazas and hosted a water systems, we built a new salt dome in 2020, Environmental Design) is the most campus or along the Toll Road, she explains the value tour of the Administration Building for members of the expanding on an environmentally friendly design we widely used system worldwide for rating of making it easier to be environmentally conscious: U.S. Green Building Council. As sustainable efforts piloted in 2019. The new dome makes it possible for sustainably-built buildings, serving as Are recycling bins accessible? Do printers default to in design, development, and maintenance keep snowplows and salt trucks to load up entirely within an international symbol of excellence. double-sided use? evolving, ITRCC will be building on our relationship the structures, secure from wind and other weather with Novick by inviting local organizations — virtually factors. Such protection limits the amount of salt Since all other LEED Gold-certified buildings in Indiana “People are more likely to embrace sustainable during Covid-19, and in-person when it’s safe to do so entering our waterways and decreases salt loss from were constructed under earlier guidelines, we saw the behaviors when there aren’t significant barriers in — to discuss the path toward green building practices winter winds. technical requirements of the latest LEED standards as their way,” she said. “You really have to support them and LEED certification throughout the communities an opportunity to build even better with the future in mind. in every way that you can.” we connect. We also installed new drainage systems and We embraced conscientious planning and construction to other upgrades to reduce our environmental ensure environmental health, leading by example and On campus at Notre Dame, Novick now directs the “If you build sustainability into your way of life and footprint. encouraging other organizations to follow suit. Minor in Sustainability. She collaborates across make it accessible at every step of the way, then you’re departments to expand the curriculum and advises really making an impact,” said Novick. “Sustainability students in developing sustainability research can’t cost extra, and it can’t take a special trip. We have projects with real-world impact and in pursuing significant opportunities to provide easy pathways to careers that integrate strategies for sustainability. sustainability, and we all have an obligation to work at it together.” 32 33 SAFETY DIVERSITY

The safety of everybody traveling and working along Diversity will remain a central focus throughout the Toll Road underlies all of our efforts. Our PUSH 2021, as we continue to recruit, support, and retain 3.0 investment is on track to upgrade the pavement great employees and vendors from every community FUTURE quality for a safer and smoother drive, particularly in across Northern Indiana. In addition to creating an the Eastern corridor. Our relationship with the Indiana inclusive environment for customers at our toll plazas State Police helps us to protect all of our customers, and continuing to partner with local women- and As we look ahead, ITRCC will continue to invest in safety, our staff, road workers, and emergency responders — and minority-owned businesses, we have refined our we will continue that commitment. Our teams are also hiring panels and brought additional perspectives employees, the environment, and our communities. New enhancing our ITS boards, closed-circuit cameras, and to our recruiting process. We're also protecting the technologies will provide smoother and safer travel for our other Traffic Management Center efforts as well as health and well-being of our employees through evaluating our pilot programs to improve curve signage, holistic year-round workshops and courses, designed customers, while new partnerships will strengthen our outreach detect hidden ice patches, and guard against the rare to help them and their families gain greater physical, efforts. We’ll continue to strengthen our communities by instances of drivers traveling in the wrong direction. mental, and financial health. providing personal and financial support to those in need. 35 EMPLOYEES CUSTOMERS COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT

With clear diversity goals in place for hiring, our To help everybody get where they’re going safely and Since so many of the communities we connect have We hope what we are doing to minimize our impact leadership and recruiting teams are committed to on time, we’re refreshing the equipment visible along faced a difficult 2020, we’re looking to support those on the environment serves as a model for others in ensuring our employees represent the communities the Toll Road and behind the scenes. We’re expanding who have been hit the hardest by the pandemic. We our industry. Within our facilities, we’re improving we connect — and dedicated to making further our use of Variable Message Sign (VMS) boards, will continue to expand our local relationships and resources and reducing waste — including new improvements at managerial levels and elsewhere which display the payment amount at automatic toll direct a portion of our expenditures toward community salt-management tactics, computing upgrades, across our workforce. We understand the unique payment machines. Better visual communication support. We remain committed to allocating at least and building improvements. Along the roadway, our challenges all of our employees face from will lead to better experiences for our customers 15% of our budget to diverse vendors and partners, customers can expect more progress with electric Covid-19, and we will continue to offer flexibility at the toll gates, whether they choose to pay with including certified women- and minority-owned charging stations, while a new pilot program will give and other support throughout this extended period cash, credit card, or E-ZPass. We’re also evaluating businesses in Northern Indiana — and we’re glad to employees access to electric vehicle options at work. of uncertainty. With cooking demos, biometric additional E-ZPass retail partnerships such as the build upon our relationship with diverse consultants We also plan to bring educational programs along the screenings, meditation sessions, and other one we currently have with CVS to make in-person whose expertise helps us link more directly to the Toll Road, creating new opportunities to learn and workshops, our wellness programs will keep focusing purchases easier. Computing upgrades will help success of the region's economy. We’ll provide volunteer. With the guidance and leadership of IFM on comprehensive health, and our virtual events will reduce lane closures and wait times, while our toll company-wide support for local nonprofits and Investors, we’re developing science-based targets engage our employees and sustain our family culture plaza beautification plans will make our customers’ community initiatives like the Shirley Heinze Land to most accurately track our own emissions and to until we can meet along the Toll Road corridor again. journeys even more memorable and enjoyable. Trust, based in Valparaiso, and many others. identify areas for further improvement. 36 37

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For inquiries concerning this report: Customer Care Center: 574-675-4010 2020 Sustainability Report Published Jan 2021 indianatollroad.org © ITR Concession Company LLC