An Indiana-based economist says the regions submitting applications for Regional Cities Grant Funds did their homework.
Michael Hicks is an economist at Ball State University. He says the plans were strong proposals to improve the quality of life in the state. The North Central Region – which included Marshall, St. Joseph, and Elkhart Counties – was among the three recipients awarded $42-million.
While Marshall County has indicated it is now preparing to put its portion of the grant funds to use, a bit of waiting is required to allow time for the Regional Development Authority Board time to prepare its next steps.
Seven Regions submitted proposals. The Regional Cities’ Strategic Review Committee stated its desire to secure additional funding for the regions that did not receive major grant funds this week.
Hicks said the Tax Amnesty Program that funded the Regional Cities Initiative was a major success that will be watched by states around the country as an example.
The impact from the Regional Cities Initiative’s goals of retaining and attracting population remain to be seen.
