by Carla Knapp
The Cass County Council has voiced its support for a plan to use County Economic Development Income Tax money to fund several road improvement projects during the next two years.
Logansport-Cass County Economic Development Foundation President Skip Kuker approached the council during its meeting Friday looking for backing for the projects. Though the council took no action because of the timing of the request, several council members said they would support the measure to use CEDIT funding for the projects when it comes to a vote in the future.
The Logansport City Council, which has a shared interest on several projects, said it would also consider the measure during a meeting last month.
The two entities will work jointly to fund two separate projects on 18th Street near the new Ivy Tech Community College campus and the redevelopment of Chase Road. Additionally, the county will look at upgrading 300E near The Andersons Clymers Ethanol Plant.
During Friday’s county council meeting, Kuker said he is hoping to enlist the efforts of a transportation lobbyist to help procure additional funds for the projects.
With the backing of both the city and county, Kuker said he will pursue a two-year contract with APPIAN. Both entities will pay a $48,000 retainer fee for the company’s services — the city in 2009 and the county in 2010.
Though Kuker said he has “never been a big fan” of working with lobbyists, he told council members the partnerships are a way for governmental entities to procure funding for large road projects such as these.
“It’s how we’re going to get more money for local road projects in the future,” he said.
Additionally, Kuker said the county will work with CrossRoad Engineering to produce redevelopment studies on the Chase Road project.
LEDF’s role will be two help merge the efforts of the city and county as well as to monitor APPIAN’s progress, said Kuker. Additionally, he said that having the city and county work together should help expedite construction of the projects.
“By combining the efforts and bringing everyone together, we can make sure we’re using the money the best way we can,” he said.
Carla Knapp can be contacted at (574) 732-5150 or via e-mail at carla.knapp@pharostribune.com
