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Street Department Saving Green, Going Green, and Working as a Team
As part of the paving program, the city engages in two types of projects: Resurfacing and Reconstruction projects. The majority of the work done is resurfacing. A total of 519.53 tons of intermediate course hot mix asphalt, and 22,916.99 tons of surface asphalt were used costing just over $1.4 million. Projects consisted of new roadway areas, curb and gutter systems, sidewalks, handicap accessible ramps with detectable warning devices. 74,148 lineal feet of thermoplastic pavement markings were also applied at a cost of $42,225.53. The Sidewalk Program, aimed at replacing “trip and fall areas in the community”, was also a great success. More than 27,000 sq. ft. of concrete sidewalk was constructed, including 67 handicapped curb ramps with detectible warning devices, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In places where concrete sidewalks had begun to sink or become unlevel, the City employed the cost-saving “mudjacking” technique where holes are drilled in the problem slabs, and then filled with mixed cement solution to “jack” them back to their desired location. This technique has been found to be a suitable long term solution, which saves tax-payer dollars. Perhaps one of the most innovative aspects of the 2008 sidewalk program is the use of rubber sidewalks in certain areas. Recycled from old tires, rubber sidewalks are durable, cost effective, and a great way to reduce the amount of rubber in landfills. Michigan City was the first municipality in Indiana to make use of the rubber sidewalks, in a time where many governments are seeking ways to reduce their impact on the environment. By the end of 2008, just over 15,000 sq. ft. of rubber sidewalks were laid, and the Engineering Department seems optimistic about using more in the future. One of the most visible projects of 2008 was the reconstruction of Kieffer Rd/CR 400 N which will substantially improve traffic flow in the congested area. Just over 51,000 Tons of asphalt was used to construct the 1.83 miles of road. The width was dramatically increased from two lanes to four - 12 ft lanes plus a left continuous turn lanes in various locations. A new signal was added at the intersection of 400 N. and Cleveland Avenue and a new storm sewer system was emplaced using pipes ranging from 12 to 72 inches in diameter. The Michigan City Redevelopment Commission and the La Porte County Board of Commissioners split the $6.9 Million cost, employing the effectiveness of intergovernmental collaboration. Another highly visible completed project in Michigan City was the Highway 212 Bridge over the South Shore Freight Line. The project was expeditiously completed by the Indiana Dept of Transportation in approximately 1 ½ years. Other features such as drainage were included in the project by INDOT as well to better serve the public. The main project commencing in 2009 will be the complete renovation of 1.54 miles of Coolspring Avenue from Wabash to Roeske. Again, significant local tax-dollars will be saved by using 80% federal funds for this $4.5 million project. Michigan City and its partners are constructing road projects in a timely fashion, with significant savings. |
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Eckenstahler employed “the Five Cornerstones of Economic Development” framework in order to set new goals for the MCEDC. These five functions provide organizational structure, specific programming, direction of financial resources and a means to measure achievement of goals. Goals set for the MCEDC include: Organizational Development
Product Development
External (Market) Development
Business Retention and Expansion
Workforce Development
The MCEDC wishes to thank the following presenting and submitting partners at the retreat: Center for Workforce Innovations - Linda Woloshansky GLEDC Director Earns Designation of Tim Gropp, Executive Director of the Greater La Porte Economic Development Corporation (GLEDC) recently earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), a national recognition that denotes a mastery of principal skills in economic development, professional attainment and a commitment to personal and professional growth. GLEDC was formed in 2001 to strengthen economic vitality and growth in the Greater La Porte area. Tim has been the Executive Director of GLEDC for the past 4 years and sits on numerous boards and committees throughout the community and region. During his tenure he also earned an MBA from Bethel College. The CEcD exam was administered by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) on October 1 and 2 in Reno, NV. The CEcD designation recognizes qualified and dedicated practitioners in the economic development field and sets the standard of excellence within the profession. Candidates must pass a rigorous and comprehensive three-part, two-day examination, which tests a practitioner’s knowledge, proficiency and judgment in the key areas of economic development, including business retention and expansion, marketing, finance, workforce development, community development, real estate, strategic planning, and management. Currently there are just over 1,200 CEcD’s in the United States. About The International Economic Development Council Logistics Company Targets Kingsbury Industrial Park
La Porte County and State leaders are announced on September 21, that a third party logistics company has targeted the Kingsbury Industrial Park in south central La Porte County as a potential location for their new 500,000 sq. ft. facility. This opportunity for La Porte County came about due to a large team effort with help from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, District 20 State Representative Tom Dermody, the County Commissioners, County Council, and the Economic Development team of LaPorteCounty.Biz. County Council President Mark Yagelski commented on the team effort, “It took strong efforts from our economic development team, County Departments, and State officials to get to this point. We all worked together and got on the same page early. There is still a lot of work to do before we can call this a win for the County.” An asset based supply-chain solutions company providing transportation, warehousing and maritime related services to national and international customers in a variety of industries, including the food manufacturing, retail grocery, foodservice, forestry, steel and metals industries. The company operates marine terminals in the ports of Jacksonville, FL, Mobile, AL and New Orleans, LA. The corporation is still looking at alternative sites in Indiana and Illinois but plans to start construction in the spring of 2010. “This deal is not final, so our team must be diligent in order to secure it,” said GLEDC Executive Director Tim Gropp. The company will be investing an estimated $50 million in the initial phase of the project. The new facility will create an estimated 135 new full-time positions as well as nearly 500 transportation related jobs. The construction phase for the entire project is projected to create 500 jobs. State Representative Tom Dermody, who worked hard down state to secure incentives for the project, emphasized,” Business attraction is a highly competitive process and takes a lot of work. We were able to bring everyone to the table and put a package together that fits the company’s needs. Most importantly, with the state of the economy this will provide good jobs that are much needed in La Porte County.” The proposed facility would be located in the Kingsbury Industrial Park and would require infrastructure improvements, including a new connection to the CSX Transportation rail line on the south border of the park and upgrades to Hupp Road. La Porte County will use its “Major Moves” money up front to help with rail and road improvements. “Using the County’s Major Moves funds is smart since it will eliminate capitalized interest and save County dollars,” said Executive Director John Regetz. Improvements to Kingsbury Industrial Park would be very beneficial to current users and make it more attractive for new businesses to locate here. County Commission President Barb Huston stated,” It is hoped the investment will pay off in terms of economic growth and job creation. It would be a shot in the arm for La Porte County if this goes through.” Halfwassen Group, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, CSX Transportation, and La Porte County all have targeted funds for infrastructure improvements to help attract this logistics project. Mitch Roob, Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation added, “For years the state has recognized the value an intermodal facility would bring to our existing transportation infrastructure assets and we have worked diligently to attract such an enterprise. The proposed facility would add to the state’s strengths in attracting jobs and investment from the logistics industry and we are thrilled to be a part of moving this project forward.” Michigan City Nictd Route Study Progresses
TOD is the dense development can occur around transportation systems creating pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods with uses such as retail, office, recreation and housing. The initial study examined three routes that included: A Catalyst Development Analyses evaluated the anticipated benefits from a South Shore track route in its particular area and balanced them against the obstacles and costs of development on that route. The benefits included new housing anticipated, attractions at the anticipated NICTD station, increasing property values and additional retail sales. The costs and obstacles included negative construction impacts of the projects. The Northern Route seemed to possess the most potential economic benefit to the north end of Michigan City, but required a new bridge be built over Trail Creek imposing high costs and a visual obstacle to Lake Michigan. The 11th St. Route possessed significant TOD potential, which would improve the neighborhood with fewer obstacles since the South Shore already has its route there. A parking deck was recommended to conserve development property. The Southern Route had the least potential for TOD since it is located too far from Downtown and Lake Michigan. Ultimately the study favored the 11th Street option for NICTD’s route. NICTD and the South Shore Freight line also prefers this route for its operations. The July and October workshops generated a multitude of public questions and subsequent research, which is on going. The Economic Impacts of the South Shore Line Station on Downtown Michigan City study and workshop reports can be found on the Michigan City home page of http://www.emichigancity.com/ The Michigan City Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) coordinated the fundraising to sponsor the study Economic Impacts Study. MCEDC is proud to have collaborated with NIPSCO to initiate communications between MCNEAT, the City of Michigan City and NICTD.
A Packaging Systems, LLC Named Indiana “Company to Watch”
A Packaging Systems was nominated for the award jointly by the Greater La Porte Economic Development Corporation (GLEDC) and the Pursue Extension Office. Tim Gropp of GLEDC stated, “We are excited to see A Packaging Systems recognized with this state honor. This is a company that started out in a local garage and has kept growing in our community. It is always nice to see a local business succeed and get recognition for their accomplishments.” Walt Sell of the Purdue Extension office added, “We are extremely pleased and excited that A Packaging System will receive the “Indiana Companies to Watch “award. It is important to note that businesses such as A Packaging Systems LLC are vital to the economic well being of our community and we congratulate them on their success.” "Mid-sized companies like these named Companies to Watch make up the foundation of the Indiana economy," said Mitch Roob, Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. "Congratulations to this year's field and the hundreds of other nominees who have had such a tremendous impact as they grow and continue to create new jobs for Hoosiers." The 50 "Companies to Watch," which were named after evaluating the more than 500 nominations for the awards, represent industries ranging from food manufacturers to software developers and medical device makers to financial services firms. The 50 chosen companies project to have combined revenues in excess of $671 million and create more than 560 new jobs this year. The revenue projections represent an increase of more than $200 million from 2008. Nearly 3,800 mid-sized companies with between $5 million and $100 million in annual sales operate in Indiana, according to a 2008 Indiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation study. Those companies employed more than 386,000 workers and produced more than $55 billion in annual sales. With major sponsorship from Barnes & Thornburg LLP, the "Companies to Watch" awards program is an initiative developed by the Cassopolis, Mich.-based Edward Lowe Foundation. The foundation hosts similar programs in Michigan, Arizona, Mississippi and Colorado. Indiana Companies to Watch is also sponsored in part by KeyBank, Premier Capital Corporation and Katz, Sapper & Miller. The 50 "Companies to Watch" will be honored at an Aug. 27 ceremony at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis. Tickets for the ceremony and dinner are still available and may be purchased online at http://www.indianactw.eventbrite.com or by calling 888.472.3244.
An $8.8 million cancer treatment center will soon begin going up across from Purdue University North Central near Westville. |
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