South Whitley Industrial Park among 13 sites officially listed as 'shovel ready' by Indiana EDC
By Katelyn Hancock
Thirteen sites across Indiana earned the title of 'shovel ready' today, paving the way for businesses to quickly locate new operations on property ready for development -- including a newly developed South Whitley location.
The thirteen new sites located in Dubois, Fulton, Gibson, Greene, Johnson, Monroe, Shelby, Steuben, Vanderburgh, Wabash, Wayne, White and Whitley counties join the list of 80 other 'shovel ready' sites identified by the state since 2006 that have undergone extensive title work, proof of ownership, legal and environmental review and qualify for expedited permitting with state regulatory agencies.
Among the newest sites, is the 42-acre South Whitley Industrial Park.
"More and more companies are increasingly looking for sites where they can have a shovel in the ground as quickly as possible," said Dan Hasler, secretary of commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. "We know that time is valuable and this program is a vital tool in giving Indiana the advantage of attracting competitive investment."
Passed in the 2005 legislative session as part of Governor Daniels' jobs agenda, 'shovel ready' sites are certified by the state's Fast Access Site Team that consists of representatives from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, governor's office, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana State Department of Health, Indiana State Department of Agriculture and the Indiana State Department of Homeland Security.
Certified sites have been eligible for matching grants to assist with eligible costs associated with applying for the shovel ready program. These sites are listed on the Indiana Economic Development Corporation's Site and Building Database at http://statein.zoomprospector.com/. This online resource allows site selection consultants and businesses to research available commercial and industrial properties that are available for quick development and investment.