Franklin Business Park, Franklin, is one of 13 sites across Indiana that has earned the title of ‘shovel-ready’ today, paving the way for businesses to quickly locate new operations on property ready for development, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation announced today.
The 12 other sites are located in Dubois, Fulton, Gibson, Greene, 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.
Zoned light industrial, Cheryl Morphew, president and CEO of the Johnson County Development Corporation said The Franklin Business Park is an ideal home for manufacturing businesses. “We’re very excited about it (the shovel–ready certification),” she said, adding that it will make the Franklin Business Park’s 206 remaining acres ”…much more highly marketable.”
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 https://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.
– Edited press release by Katelyn Hancock, Indiana Economic Development Corporation and Rick Myers, Johnson County Business Leader
