by rgifford
Fri, April 27 2012 18:28
Congressman Joe Donnelly has just announced that Starke County will receive a $503,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) to help improve access to the Starke County Rail Park - Knox, primarily with intersection improvements at State Road 8 and County Road 300 East.
The entire project is estimated to cost $1,006,000, with the County funding $400,000, and the Starke County Economic Development Foundation will fund the balance of $103,000. The project has been discussed for most of the past 5 years, and with this grant, will now become reality. Bids could be taken in late 2012 or in January of 2013, with the work completed sometime in 2013.
The ditch at the intersection will be moved slightly to the south, at the request of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The intersection can then be widened at that point so that trucks can safely pass. Preliminary work has already begun with respect to environmental issues. Upon completion, improved access to the Rail Park is expected to create an additional 100 jobs and leverage $20 million in private investment.
Congressman Donnelly, in making the announcement of the grant said, "Improved access to this area will mean improved access to jobs, services, and centers of trade for both the county and the region."