The project list has been limited to 18, but the Michiana Partnership says projects included on the current grant application have not changed for several weeks.
The Michiana Partnership has worked with County and City officials regarding the Regional Cities Initiative. It’s a $42-million grant operated by the state with the aim of attracting and retaining population.
Michiana Partnership President Regina Emberton says a lot of the projects are focused on connectivity.
“Like extending the Metronet further throughout Marshall County and Elkhart County and further in St. Joseph County as well so that companies and residents to connect in and utilize that data ability for innovation and entrepreneurship as well as personal satisfaction,” says Emberton.
Marshall County is linking with Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties through a Regional Development Authority while vying for the funds.
During a recent presentation in Marshall County, the project list stood at 18 after being reduced from 26 projects. Emberton says the RDA encourages projects no longer on the grant application list to be completed through other means.
A five member board was appointed by the three counties. The group has not met in person, but has communicated electronically. Emberton says additional committees will be setup on an industry basis to help make recommendations.
“While it’s a five member board that’s appointed to be accountable for the execution of projects, and the allocation of funding should we receive that from the state, this is definitely a broader community and regional collaboration that’s going to be happening,” says Emberton.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation will soon be appointing individuals to oversee the grant application process. Those individuals will make the final decisions on which regions receive funds.
The grant application is expected to be submitted by the end of August.
