Grant County Commissioners considering alliance options

The Regional Cities Initiative is a collaborative effort with the intent for individual cities to capitalize economically and deliver a network of culture and amenities that attract and retain talent.

Pam Price presented the proposal on behalf of ECI, but County Commissioner President John Lawson stated his preference that they attend the Kokomo district meeting May 8 and consider that alliance in an effort to expand growth in the western portion of the county.

"We do have access to the east corridor through I-69, Van Buren, Upland, Matthews, Those areas do have access to grow with that I-69 corridor," Lawson said. "Swayzee and Sweetser have been approaching the commissioners for a long time about what can we do to the west for development.

"There's a big push by the cities in the areas to our west with Kokomo to address a lot of interest from Toyota from Ford from General Motors, a lot of interest in developing a corridor there, if you will, for the auto industry."

Price invited the commissioners to attend the ECI meeting May 5 in Muncie, which is the same day as the primary election.

"I think you'll be a little busy that day won't you?" Commissioner Mark Bardsley said to Lawson, who is seeking the Republican nomination for mayor.

Lawson answered back, "It might be a nice distraction."