Good news coming?

DUNKIRK — Winds of positive change may be coming to Jay County’s economy.
Speaking to Jay County Chamber of Commerce members today, a local economic development official said he anticipates developments in the next few weeks on a major wind turbine project in southern Jay and northern Randolph counties.
About 65 windmill turbines will be involved producing 100 megawatts of power with an assessed valuation of approximately $130 million, Bill Bradley, executive director of Jay County Development Corporation, said today.
Bradley said the project has been under discussion for the past five years, but he anticipates news on the topic to be released over the next few weeks.
Bradley was one of the main speakers at this morning’s Jay County Chamber of Commerce networking breakfast at the Dunkirk Elks Lodge.
He was substituting for Jay County Commissioners president Milo Miller Jr., who had been scheduled to give a State of Jay County presentation but is out of the state.
Instead Bradley presented a program, entitled: “The State of Economic Development in Jay County.” Miller’s presentation was postponed until the March 9 networking breakfast.
In addition to his wind turbine remarks, Bradley provided an overview of economic conditions in the county.
“Right now, Jay County is in a rather enviable position” in relation to its neighboring counties as a result of its relatively low unemployment rate, hovering at about 8 percent, Bradley said.
Also he said that Jay County is persevering through the tough economic times facing the nation and other parts of Indiana. “I think we’ve weathered the storm very well,” Bradley said.
He said there is interest in local economic development. “People are starting to come out and kick the tires,” Bradley said, noting that Fort Recovery Industries was in the process of taking over a long empty building in Portland.
In addition Bradley saluted the contributions of Verallia (formerly Saint-Gobain Containers) to the local economy.
“It’s tremendous what they contribute to this city (Dunkirk),” Bradley said.
Also speaking at today’s breakfast meeting was Dunkirk Mayor Ron Hunt.Hunt noted that during the past year, Dunkirk’s police department has launched a K-9 patrol program as well as upgraded its radio communications system and put a new 4-wheel-drive SUV into service.
The mayor pointed out that the city has been busy making infrastructure improvements as well, primarily for the sewer and water departments.
Construction is under way on a new water treatment plant, and sections of old water mains are being replaced.
Hunt said that the city has established a new web site — dunkirkindiana.net, and is currently launching a drive to raise donations for planting more than 100 new trees along Main Street to replace many of those that were cut down as a result of the Ind. 167 street renovation project.
Hunt then introduced Donna Revolt, a member of the Dunkirk Beautification Committee, who is working with city officials and the Discover Dunkirk Main Street Committee on this project.
“We really miss the trees,” Revolt said.
She added that the local groups are working with Cook’s Nursery and Trim of Portland on determining which trees to plant along the highway. She said the group is seeking donations of $225 a tree — an amount that will include the cost of planting and initial maintenance.[[In-content Ad]]