Steuben County to Fund Shovel-Ready’ Studies’

November 19, 2012

News Release

Angola, Ind. -- The Steuben County Commissioners and Council have approved funding for the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) aimed at conducting preliminary engineering and environmental studies, necessary for the Indiana Economic Development Corporations Shovel Ready Site Certification program, and the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnerships Site Certification program. Earlier this year the SCEDC approached the County for financial support of these activities in four distinct areas of the county. Estimated cost for the work is $155,000 with the County investing $130,000 and the EDC investing $25,000.

Sites include a "Mage-Site" with frontage along the I-80/90 corridor, industrial property offering the closest access to the intersection of I-69 and I-80/90, a technology park development and an area with rail-served sites with easy access to I-69. David Koenig, Executive Director for the Steuben County EDC estimated that work would begin this winter and could possibly extend into 2014 to advance each of the four locations. "We appreciate the County's support of this effort. The Steuben County EDC will invest this money wisely to bring the greatest benefit to the community", stated Koenig. The initial plan identified up to 1,100 acres for study.

Ron Smith, President of the Steuben County Commissioners was an early proponent of the effort. "As I travel the State and work with my colleagues, it is apparent that this work needs to be completed if we are to be competitive", according to Smith. Smith also serves as President of the Indiana Association of County Commissioners.

Similar work being completed in neighboring counties and neighboring states illustrated that certification of sites has become expected by companies and site selection consultants. Steuben County's plan also calls for exceeding minimum requirements of the Indiana Shovel Ready Site program by optioning land and developing topographical maps at one foot intervals.

The Steuben County Economic Development Corporation is a non-for-profit corporation founded in 2003 by Steuben County, City of Angola and the towns of Ashley, Clear Lake, Fremont, Hamilton, Hudson and Orland for the purpose of creating employment opportuntiies and wealth within Steuben County. Steuben County is home to Trine University, Pokagon State Park and Indiana's largest collection of natural lakes. www.steubenedc.com

Source: Steuben County Economic Development Corp