The Marshall County Commissioners gave support to three interconnecting initiatives that will go into READI grant initial submissions for capital projects that deal with improvements in workforce productivity and community health and well-being.
The South Bend-Elkhart RDA was awarded $50 million for projects which includes St. Joseph, Elkhart and Marshall Counties.
The projects include a simulation and skills lab to support a Bachelor of Nursing degree at Marian University’s Ancilla College, the Community Health and Well-Being Initiative with Blue Zones, and a Career Innovation Center.
The grant match would be a total of up to $2,175,000. Funding will need to be spent by 2026.
Commissioner Stan Klotz said he supports the simulation lab and skills lab for the nursing degree and the Career Innovation Center, but does not support Blue Zones. He also stated that he does not want to spend American Rescue Plan Act funds, but ultimately it will be a council decision.
Commissioner Michael Burroughs made a motion to approve a resolution to support the grant match with Commission President Kevin Overmyer seconding the motion. The motion passed with a vote of 2-1 with Klotz opposed to the motion.
The same request will go before the Marshall County Council members during their meeting Monday, August 8.
