By Tim Vandenack, Truth Staff
tvandenack@etruth.com
Plans to build a new Ivy Tech Community College campus here are potentially in line to get another $4 million from the state, on top of the $16 million that's already been appropriated.
The funds are included in Gov. Mitch Daniel's latest budget proposal for Indiana, unveiled last week, according to Reps. Jackie Walorski, R-Elkhart, and Wes Culver, R-Middlebury. Though hardly a done deal given ongoing budget talks, the proposed appropriation has bipartisan support and backing of lawmakers from across the state, according to Culver.
Plans to build the new facility, in the meantime, forge ahead. Groundbreaking for construction of the $20 million complex -- to be built near the C.R. 17-U.S. 20 intersection -- is set for July 2, with the work to take 16-18 months, according to Ivy Tech spokesman Jeff Fanter.
The new Ivy Tech campus will replace the existing facility at the Elkhart Industrial Park in Elkhart. Aside from relieving overcrowding, boosters say the new complex will bolster job training offerings here, spurring economic development and luring companies considering locating here.
The $4 million was originally to have come from local donors in Elkhart County. But given the tough economy and difficult prospects of being able to raise so much, the local legislative delegation pushed instead to budget the amount from state coffers, Culver said.
Indeed, the proposed $4 million appropriation aims to make sure the Ivy Tech plans get off the ground as quickly as possible given the high unemployment in Elkhart County, according to Walorski. "It's very reflective of the economy and high unemployment," she said.