A legal opinion backs South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority's tourism loan program that's been a point of contention in an ongoing dispute between the board and its longtime president.
After getting a Paycheck Protection Program loan that shored up the Lake County tourism agency's finances, the board voted earlier this year to approve a program to provide grants to cities and towns to help defray the expenses of summer festivals, concerts and other events that would bring visitors back after the coronavirus pandemic.
About eight cities and towns in Northwest Indiana have taken advantage of the program to help pay for fireworks, concerts and other attractions.