Setting up for success

Jul 21, 2010 — The Evening News and The Tribune

Braden Lammers

Jul. 21, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- > SOUTHERN INDIANA -- As the River Ridge Development Authority continues attempts to expand the former Indiana Army Ammunition Plant as a regional commerce center, it has offered support to entities that would aid in its growth.

One Southern Indiana and the Ohio River Bridges Coalition were offered a total of $70,000 to support their respective projects, but economic factors limited the donations to amounts that were less than the figures requested. The reason for each entity requesting the support of River Ridge is because of its importance as a regional economic development center, leaders said.

"This is the crown jewel of economic development in the region," said Michael Dalby, president of One Southern Indiana. "There is a lot of projects that revolve around this area."

However, the continued development of River Ridge could also be dependent upon both of the entities it approved funding for Monday. In terms of the Ohio River Bridges Project, the River Ridge Commerce Center is located directly north of the proposed east-end bridge. If the project is built as planned, River Ridge would be an ideal location to capitalize on businesses looking for access near a major highway or river for transportation and shipping needs, access to major airports or even to provide a central location for employees.

The funding requested by the Bridges Coalition -- $100,000 -- would not go toward any construction costs, but instead be used for marketing and educational purposes.

"Our push has always been to support the entire project -- two bridges and the rebuild of Spaghetti Junction -- and to educate on that topic." Dalby, a member of the Bridges Coalition, said. "These funds are used to educate the public, to get out details and specifics on the project and to explain different components of the project. And, frankly, to be a rebuttal to different voices out there, many who don't want to see the project built at all or have one piece or the other of the project that they want to champion or not champion."

A decision on whether or not River Ridge can market its property as being adjacent to an east-end bridge should not take long.

"It's real apparent that we are approaching, or in, a critical juncture as far as the bridges projects are concerned," said River Ridge Executive Director Jerry Acy. "The message we got was there is going to be a real push in the next 12 to 18 months for mainly the plan to come together, especially the potential funding mechanism."

Dalby moved the timeline up a little farther.

"Really, over the next six months, we're going to push hard, because funding strategies all need to be put in place toward the beginning of the 2011 year," he said.

The River Ridge Board of Directors unanimously approved donating $50,000 to the Bridges Coalition. The money will be spread out over quarterly payments of $12,500.

"I think a $50,000 contribution from River Ridge given ... our budgetary constraints nonetheless it seemed like a valiant effort for our first time to the dance," said Mark Robinson, president of River Ridge's board of directors.

River Ridge cited that the sputtering economy and the lack of land sales has limited its available funds and has caused the authority to closely monitor its spending. But the funding allocated Monday will add to the money raised for the Bridges Coalition, which equals about $500,000 to date, Dalby said.

Although the funding was approved, it does not mean that some of the board will not be keeping tabs to ensure it is put to good use.

"We would like to see, since this is an 18-month horizon, we're saying that's critical we should see some major progress with this money in the next 12 months," said board member Kim Matthews. "If we don't and we're sitting here and they come back to us a year from now, I think it's going to be a different issue for me."

Dalby also was present at River Ridge's meeting to request funding for One Southern Indiana. In previous years, River Ridge has provided an annual $25,000 donation to the economic development chamber. Again citing lack of revenues and a desire to maintain its budget, River Ridge limited its contribution to $20,000 this year.

"It certainly shows our intent to be a partner with One Southern Indiana and the Bridges Coalition, but we just have to be mindful that we are not without limitation on funds we are entrusted to work with," Robinson said.

However, the facility remains an integral part of One Southern Indiana's development plans.

"We submit River Ridge on practically every project that we get because it is such a prime property," he said.

Accordingly, River Ridge is attracting a more sophisticated client and is seeking to lure local businesses that are looking to expand.

"They expect a lot from the property and the development because they are starting to look to make a huge investment in the area," Dalby said.

In other business

--A deadline for a contract which would have allowed for the development of a possible office building in front of the NuYale Cleaners property was extended for 30 days. The potential developer has not been able to pursue potential tenants and present a definitive plan because he had back surgery. The developer and possible tenants have not been named.

--A request to extend two leases for IOW and Orica were delayed while the board seeks an appraisal of the properties. Each appraisal will cost $3,000 and if the extensions of the leases are approved they will run until July 2013.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0418-47153792