Trine University shares $28 million project with Steuben County Council

ANGOLA — Trine University shared details of a $28 million project to promote the development of new business in Steuben County with the Steuben County Council Tuesday morning.

Michael Bock, Trine University vice president, presented Trine’s plan, which asks the county to spend $13.9 million of Major Moves money it received in 2006 from the lease of the Indiana Toll Road. Trine would match the investment dollar-for-dollar.

The university and county would join in a project to encourage new businesses, with specific emphasis on biotech and orthopedic companies. The plan would create the Rhoads Center for Entrepreneurship, Technology Commercialization Lab, Bock Biomedical Engineering Center and Biomechanics/Movement Center.

Bock pointed out the initiative will create other opportunities as well as those in the biomedical engineering field.

He said Trine already is working on forming partnerships with an asphalt company, a company that develops construction material, a recreational-vehicle manufacturing company and a software company . All four companies have expressed an interest in locating in Steuben County as a result of the project, the council heard.

Bock presented Trine’s proposal to the Steuben County Commissioners in December, and they voted to move forward on the project. The commissioners will consider approving a memorandum of understanding endorsing the project at a Jan. 24 meeting. The council scheduled a special meeting for Jan. 25 to consider the memorandum.

Trine University president Earl Brooks II will ask the university board of trustees to approve Trine’s $14 million commitment when the board meets at the end of this month, Bock said.

Asked what would happen if the county declined to participate in the project, Bock said Trine would move in another direction with other partnerships outside Steuben County.

“I have a real passion for Steuben County,” Bock said. “What we are proposing here builds on that. Trine University is going (forward), one way or another. That’s how committed we are to this.”

Bock said the memorandum of understanding is a non-binding agreement. A definitive agreement setting out budget items and monetary figures is expected to be discussed in February or March.

Council member Linda Hansen asked whether cities and towns have been asked to participate in the project.

“Not yet,” Bock said, but he added that Trine will approach them in the future.

Bock said Trine already is more than halfway to securing its $14 million commitment. He noted that the university has approached foundations, and emphasized that no “side deals” are being made between the university and private investors.