Eleven new sites across Indiana recently earned the title of “shovel ready,” paving the way for businesses to quickly locate their businesses on a property that is ready for development. The title is the namesake of the state’s Shovel Ready program that identifies sites 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 Nathan Feltman, Secretary of Commerce and CEO of the Indiana Economic Development Corp.

Designed to lower the cost of site development, improve efficiency of state permitting and enhance the marketability of sites statewide, the program has already begun to achieve success, said Brad Moore, the Shovel-Ready project manager for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation

“Timing is essential in any business decision and this program helps create a more business-friendly environment,” Moore said.

The eleven new sites join 19 others across the state that have earned the designation since the state began the program in 2006.

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 http://www.in.gov/iedc/site/indiana_properties.html.

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:

Benton County, Benton County Industrial Park
Michelle White, (765) 385-0552

Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, Crawfordsville Commerce Park
Robert Pebworth, (765) 364-5152

Ft. Wayne, Allen County, James Kelley Commerce Aerocentre
Rich Emmons, (260) 478-6450

Greensburg, Decatur County, Adams Industrial Park
Vicki Kellerman, (812) 222-2520

LaPorte, LaPorte County, North Point Business Park
Tim Gropp, (219) 324-8584

Logansport, Cass County, Cass County Shovel Ready
Skip Kuker, (574) 722-5988

Madison, Jefferson County, Madison-Jefferson County Industrial Park
Corey Murphy, (812) 265-4769

Pulaski County, Winamac Industrial Park
Dan Dolezal, (574) 946-3869

Ripley County, Versailles Industrial Park
Brad Buening, (812) 689-4344

Washington County, J.F. Helsel Commerce Park
Bill Nolting, (812) 883-8803

Winchester, Randolph County, Vision Business Park West
Brian Pohlar, (765) 490-2097

Shovel Ready sites certified since 2006 include those located in Anderson, Columbus, Connersville, Fort Wayne, Franklin, Greencastle, Greensburg, Lafayette, Ligonier, Montpelier, Ossian, Rushville, South Bend, Boone County, Harrison County, Miami County, Vanderburgh County, Scott County, Switzerland County and Whitley County.

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