Governor Mike Pence has announced that the North Central Indiana Region, consisting of St. Joseph, Elkhart, and Marshall County, is one of three regions that has been awarded $42 million grant through the Regional Cities Initiative. Our region's winning proposal consists of 39 projects aimed at creating talent-attracting environments in our communities, including expansion of the Metronet fiber-optic network throughout the three counties. Of these projects, 10 are specifically dedicated to improving Marshall County.

 

An advisory board for the Regional Development Authority has been formed with Roger Umbaugh, Tim Harmon, and Bill Davis representing Marshall County. The goal of this board is to develop strategies beyond the existing Regional Cities projects. Our community will also need to secure additional funding. The $42 million grant can only be used to cover 20% of each project's cost, meaning we must generate the remaining 80% from private and public funds. Our communities have worked hard to win the Regional Cities grant, now it is time to leverage our success to attract additional funding and bring these projects to life.

With a New Year comes new leadership for the MCEDC Board of Directors. Former Chair and founding member, Mr. Bill Davis, has announced his departure from the Board. Board members unanimously elected Mr. Roger Umbaugh as MCEDC Board Chair for 2016. He will begin serving in his new role this month. The Town of Bremen appointed Greg Miller to replace Mr. Davis's position as Town's Representative. We thank Mr. Davis for his many years of service to the MCEDC and welcome Mr. Miller to the board. 

On January 8th, the US Hwy 30 Coalition established a Board of Directors and began organizing efforts to upgrade US Hwy 30 into a free-flowing thoroughfare across northern Indiana. This change will be necessary as projections estimate a 30% increase in truck traffic on US Hwy 30 in the coming years. The coalition is made up of Allen, Whitley, Kosciusko, Marshall, LaPorte, Porter & Starke counties. Mayor Mark Sentor and Jerry Chavez have been elected to represent Marshall County as board members.

Argos Adopts Incentive Policy

The Argos Town Council unanimously approved the adoption of a new Incentive Policy which will direct the MCEDC in marketing and client response regarding the town's new development, the North Central Indiana Rail Park. The policy addresses the following:

Bourbon Develops Comprehensive Plan

The Town of Bourbon is creating a framework for community growth by developing a Comprehensive Plan. Bourbon's plan is unique in that it is funded by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) and complies with state code in order to establish a guide for community development over the next 20 years. The Town has already taken its first step, which involved sending out RFQs to developers. The second was taken on January 18th, as the Town conducted interviews with DLZ Company, Jones Petrie Rafinski, and the Michiana Area Council of Government (MACOG) to assess their qualifications and select one to develop their Plan.

 

Bremen Moves Forward with Main Street Program

The Town of Bremen has had several successful preliminary meetings with OCRA to discuss implementing a Main Street Program in the town. Main Street is a national movement aimed at creating preservation-based commercial district revitalization. Its participants believe that a community is only as strong as its core, and by investing in downtowns, we invest in the community as a whole. Bremen officials believe this program will be a benefit to their community. Argos and Culver are currently also working to implement Main Street Programs.

 

Culver Infrastructure Projects Underway

The Town of Culver is looking forward to the completion of several infrastructure improvements this year. A new storm sewer is being installed on Lakeshore Drive, which will help decrease flooding to the area and improve drainage around commercial establishments, residences, and town properties. Just to the east, the town is also constructing a new water tower. At the other end of town, a new water plant is being built. Both projects are funded through the $400,000 OCRA grant the town received last year. These projects will be of great benefit to Culver residents and businesses through improved storm water collection and safe drinking water for years to come.

 

Plymouth Supports Business Expansion

The Plymouth City Council recently approved a personal property tax abatement for WestRock Company, which will provide relief to in the form of 50% tax liability for a seven year period. WestRock, which has operated in Plymouth since 2011, plans to invest approximately $5.2 million for new equipment at their Plymouth location, which will increase the company's efficiency and profits, retain over 100 workers, and strengthen the local economy. Thanks to the City of Plymouth for supporting local business expansion through this tax abatement.

Marshall County Town of Argos Town of Bourbon City of Plymouth Town of Bremen Town of Culver

PIDCO Culver Redevelopment St. Joseph Regional Medical Center Construction Management & Design First Federal Savings Bank Plymouth Chamber of Commerce (In Kind) Swan Lake (In Kind)