Westgate authority faces stalled grant work as state economic-development office reorganizes

Brianne delivered the Greene County economic development report and told the Redevelopment Commission that state and federal processes are stalling work on several Westgate projects, including a federal acquisition/improvement grant tied to the Jackson property. Staff said the Jackson property is a candidate for a federal grant of up to $5 million that would be used for acquisition and site improvements. Several parcels adjacent to the tech park were acquired by INDOT as mitigation for I-69; those parcels carry restrictions because they were acquired to replace habitat impacted by highway construction and must generally be offered first to state agencies and local units of government. Westgate staff said INDOT's process and the definition of "local government subdivision" mean the grant may need to flow through a county redevelopment commission or another local governmental body before Westgate can receive it as a pass-through. Staff reported that the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) recently reorganized, creating an Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation effective July 1. Westgate staff said the new office has delayed responses and that the region’s contacts at IEDC have changed; staff also described difficulty getting confirmation that required reports were received by IEDC. Staff said this has slowed certified tech-park and grant processes and that they are exploring whether title could temporarily pass to a county redevelopment commission and then to Westgate to meet grant requirements. Staff also described biological-timing constraints (bat habitat) that limit certain construction/utility work until after November, and noted that utility infrastructure and sewer availability are major factors in site prioritization for housing development near Linton and other county locations. Why it matters: The reorganization at the state agency and INDOT mitigation rules could slow or change how Westgate and Greene County access federal acquisition and improvement dollars, affecting development planning for the tech park and adjacent properties.