New Economic Development District Formed

Press Release

Portage, IN--The Northwest Indiana Forum and the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission have worked together to create the new Northwest Indiana Economic Development District (EDD). The District was established in order to begin the process of applying for and receiving federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) Funds.

District designation is crucial as the EDA budget has tripled in size and the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act has increased EDA funding and the number of opportunities. A Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is required to qualify for EDA assistance under its public works, economic adjustment, and most planning programs, and is a prerequisite for designation by EDA as an EDD.

Per the EDA requirements, the public private partnership is comprised of 51% public officials and 49% private sector/business representation. This independent organization is charged with utilizing the CEDS as a guide for project evaluation and cohesiveness with the regional plan.

"The region has been shut out of receiving grants from the EDA for at least 15 years because it lacked a development district and a comprehensive strategy," said Vince Galbiati, CEO of the Northwest Indiana Forum. "The Forum is involved in foundation of the EDD so the region can apply for and tap into the funding opportunities it's been missing"

The group identified next steps in the process including formal incorporation of the EDD, working with the CEDS, establishing governance and procedures, and determining project scoring methodology.

NIRPC named county commissioners Roosevelt Allen, Lake County; Bob Harper, Porter County; and Ken Layton, La Porte County and large city representatives Michigan City Mayor Charles Oberlie; Portage Mayor Olga Velazquez; and Mary Brown of the Gary Common Council.

NIRPC's chairman Mayor Jon Costas (Valparaiso) also named one representative from each of the three counties that make up the planning area—LaPorte Mayor Kathy Chroback; Hobart Mayor Brian Snedecor; and Porter Town Councilman Michael Genger.

Members of the Forum selected for this new economic development effort include Forum staff members Vince Galbiati and Donald Koliboski; Tom Galovic of the Regional Development Co.; Tim Gropp, Greater LaPorte Economic Development Corp.; Tom Keilman, BP Whiting refinery; Danita Johnson-Hughes, Edgewater Systems for Balanced Living; Dewey Pearman of the Construction Advancement Foundation; and Lupe Valtierra, chancellor of Ivy Tech Community College.

BACKGROUND

Northwest Indiana Forum:

Funded by membership contributions and grants, Forum membership translates into a direct investment in the region. The Northwest Indiana Forum is a non-profit economic development and business leadership organization serving Northwest Indiana (Lake, Porter, LaPorte and Starke Counties).

Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission:

NIRPC is a regional council of local governments serving the citizens of Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties in Northwest Indiana. The Northwest Indiana region is part of the U.S. Census Bureau's Chicago Metropolitan Statistical Area. NIRPC provides a forum that enables the citizens of Northwest Indiana to address regional issues relating to transportation, the environment and community, and economic development

Source: Northwest Indiana Forum and the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission