ANGOLA — The Angola Common Council pledged $1 million toward a proposed $13.8 million economic development project by Trine University at a Wednesday morning special meeting.
Monday is the deadline, as the Steuben County Commissioners will meet to discuss a proposal calling for Trine and the county each to spend $6.9 million on a three-part project. If the county does not partner with Trine on the project, the university is looking for a partnership elsewhere.
The project’s three components are the Rhoads Center for Entrepreneurship, Bock Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology Commercialization Lab.
The money pledged by Angola would come from the city’s Major Moves Construction Fund. If the $1 million is used for the Trine project, the fund will retain $3.7 million.
“It would behoove us to pledge,” Councilman Gary Crum said.
Angola Councilman Dave Martin serves on a committee composed of local government officials working on the plan. Martin seconded the motion and said, “Trine has made it (all or nothing) to keep it local. They are talking to other participants if the county doesn’t come through with $6.9 million … It’s been controversial and a bold initiative.”
The town of Fremont has pledged $30,000 toward the economic development project, Hamilton has pledged $30,000 and Hudson has pledged $4,500.
“Proportionally to what other towns are making (Angola has pledged) 30 times more,” Councilman Ed Nagle said.
Angola Mayor Dick Hickman replied it’s an investment in the city’s future.
“Look at the return. The City of Angola would be the biggest recipient,” Hickman said.
The university said it has received several letters of intent from companies interested in locating in Steuben County because the project would bring jobs. Those companies include a software firm that’s committed to bringing 30 jobs to the county. Another company, a recreational vehicle manufacturer, is also committed to bringing business here. In addition, the project would result in eight to 10 added professional positions at Trine.
“It would be Steuben County,” Martin said. “We’re sending a strong signal to the county that we want to see this move forward.”
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