Clinton County continues to pursue economic development and is putting together a plan to get it done.
The County Commissioners approved Monday a contract with Indianapolis-based HWC Engineering. Over the next several months the company will help develop a strategic economic development plan.
HWC's fee is $45,000 and will be taken out of the commissioners’ professional services line item. Rex Dillinger, a consultant with HWC Engineering, presented the contract Monday.
The development plan will focus on a portion of the county's Tax Increment Financing District. It will cover approximately 7,000 acres west of Frankfort, including the interchange at Interstate 65.
Along with the contract, Dillinger gave the board a list of tasks they plan to accomplish in a 16-week time frame.
"The first phase would begin the week of March 16," Dillinger said, "so in two weeks."
The scope of HWC's services is aimed at creating an economic development plan that will outline development goals, make a plan to improve land use and infrastructure, as well having a strategy so recommendations can be implemented.
All the tasks are expected to be completed in three phases.
In the first phase, consultants will begin reviewing the county's existing projects and policies, according to the contract. They will also collected additional data to better understand the development processes of the area.
A preliminary vision and goal development will also be examined and established between the consultants and county leaders. Additionally, key stakeholders will be identified to ensure the goals and vision aligns with the "broader community."
HWC will also engage in up to eight individual or group stakeholders meetings to gather more information and thoughts.
"These conversations are intended to enrich the initial thinking, as well as uncover items and proposals that had not previously been known," state the contract.
The next phase will consider plan development for the area and specific tools to reach the county's economic development goals will be established. A site feasibility and infrastructure plan will also be created, before the plan is approved in the final phase.