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Porter County RDC extends storage support for Valparaiso ramp program for another year
Summary
The Porter County Redevelopment Commission voted to extend short‑term storage support for the Valparaiso Foundation ramp program for one year, approving up to $3,500 to cover month‑to‑month units while the nonprofit seeks land and a permanent facility.
John Barker, co‑chair of the Valparaiso Foundation grant committee, told the Porter County Redevelopment Commission that his volunteer ramp program has 89 ramps installed across Porter County with a total estimated value of about $475,000 and roughly $19,000 in the program bank account.
"As of right now, today, we have 89 ramps up in Porter County all over the county. Total value is about $475,000," Barker said, summarizing recent installations and removals and the organization’s need for storage and staging space.
Barker said the program currently rents four storage units at the Route 2 and Evans facility and receives a 50% discount from the Phillips family; the units are month‑to‑month at about $276 per month. He said the group has obtained a price quote to build a small facility but lacks a site, estimating a minimum need of roughly 12,400 square feet for a permanent building or an opportunity to adjoin available space at the nearby PCACS facility.
Commission staff recommended and the commission approved a motion to extend the current storage arrangement for one year with a not‑to‑exceed allocation of $3,500 to cover rent while the nonprofit pursues site negotiations and permitting. The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.
Director Mike Jbo said staff will check county property inventories and research possible sites and next steps; Barker said the group would begin immediate conversations with PCACS about adjoining land and will continue fundraising and permitting work.
The extension is intended as bridge funding: if the nonprofit secures a permanent facility before the year is up, the commission and the organization would discontinue payments. The commission discussed but did not amend the dollar cap on the extension.
The commission’s action came as part of a broader meeting that also approved routine organizational business and staff contracts. The meeting adjourned with the next session scheduled for April 9 at 4 p.m.
