Seven sites across Indiana earned the title of 'shovel ready', paving the way for businesses to quickly locate new operations on property ready for development.
The seven new sites located in Blackford, Daviess, Madison, Monroe, Orange, Vigo and Wayne counties join the list of 48 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.
"With more and more companies looking for sites where they can have a shovel in the ground as quickly as possible, this program gives Indiana an advantage when it comes to competing with other states for new investments and new jobs," said Mitch Roob, Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. "We want to make the site selection process as easy as possible for prospective companies looking to bring new jobs and investment to our state."
In June, Medco Health Solutions (NYSE:MHS) announced it would expand its planned automated pharmacy facility at AllPoints at Anson, adding 160 additional new jobs. The 452,000 square-foot automated pharmacy facility, located on a 'shovel ready' site in Whitestown, is scheduled to be completed this fall. By 2012 Medco anticipates the facility, along with the company's personalized medicine research center, will employ approximately 1,400 associates.
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 www.indianashovelready.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.
The most recent shovel ready sites receiving certification are:
Location | Site Name | Applicant | Contacts |
Blackford County (Hartford City) | Blackford Industrial Park (37 acres) | Blackford County Economic Development Corporation | Rob Cleveland(765) 348.4944 |
Daviess County (Odon) | Odon Industrial Park (19 acres) | Daviess County Economic Development Corporation | Ron Arnold (812) 254.1500 |
Madison County (Anderson) | Madison Commons (87 acres) | City of Anderson | Greg Graham (765) 648.6014 |
Monroe County (Bloomington) | Ridge Line (30 acres) | Bloomington Economic Development Corporation | Ron Walker (812) 335.7346 |
Orange County (Orleans) | Orleans Industrial Site (41 acres) | Orange County Economic Development Partnership | Judy Gray (812) 723.3388 |
Vigo County (Terre Haute) | Vigo County Industrial Park (195 acres) | Terre Haute Economic Development Corporation | Steve Witt (812) 234.2524 |
Wayne County (Cambridge City) | Indiana Gateway Industrial Park (77 acres) | Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County | Valerie Shaffer (765) 985.4769 |
About IEDC
Created by Governor Mitch Daniels in 2005 to replace the former Department of Commerce, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation is governed by a 12-member board chaired by Governor Daniels. Indiana Secretary of Commerce Mitch Roob serves as the chief executive officer of the IEDC. For more information about IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov.