Infrastructure funding outlined (09/15/2008)

Due to the heavy storms that pounded much of Indiana in May and June, the Jay County Commissioners signed onto an economic recovery and development program this morning.

The commissioners heard a presentation from Nancy Kinder, executive director of the Eastern Indiana Development District about a state grant program that could allow the county to move on larger infrastructure projects with some major financial backing.

The program, which was created after heavy thunderstorms flooded and damaged several areas throughout the state in early summer, provides at least 70 percent funding for projects related to infrastructure. The grant money is available to help regions improve this infrastructure to avoid future disasters from hurting local economy.

"It's for economic recovery from the (storm) events," Kinder said. "In order to keep your businesses from being in jeopardy now and in the future."

The program begins with the Indiana Economic Development Association sending a flood coordinator to begin forming an improvement plan for the county. The coordinator will identify some areas that may be good targets for development and connect with officials throughout the county to discuss some needed projects.

Once the plan is developed, it will be in the hands of the county and the towns to decide whether they can provide their 30 percent of the funding to go forward with the project.

"We need to talk with the towns and communities and see where they're at," said Jay County Emergency Management Agency director Ralph Frazee.

"Is there any cost for the county to get into the program?" asked commissioners president Milo Miller Jr.

"No, that was the best part," answered commissioners Faron Parr.

"There's no cost to do this plan, so we might as well," said commissioners Gary Theurer. "At least get the plan."

The commissioners adopted a resolution to sign onto the program and Kinder will be in touch with Frazee to keep him updated on progress as the planning work begins.

In other business this morning, the commissioners:

•Opened bids for a septic project at 3432 W. Division Road. The project was awarded to Guy Tressler Excavating at a cost of $7,646.17. The work will be paid for as part of a county septic ordinance which will allow the property owner Carrie Kelly to repay the cost over time.

•Authorized purchase of a new printer for the probation office to be paid for by the program's user fees.

•Received an update about damages from this weekend's storms from Frazee. Despite the high winds, Frazee said three reports of down utility lines, some trees down and windows being blown out were among the worst damage from the storm.[[In-content Ad]]