BY JOYCE RUSSELL, Times of Northwest Indiana
joycer@nwitimes.com
PORTAGE | Indiana Economic Development Corp. Executive Director Michael "Mickey" Maurer brought what could be some good news to dinner Thursday night.
"We've already committed $13.5 million in four projects within miles of the Yacht Club," Maurer told a group gathered for the Portage Economic Development Corp.'s annual banquet at the city-owned Portage Yacht Club on Ind. 149, just across the street from AmeriPlex at the Port business park.
Maurer, however, wouldn't say what's involved in those four projects, which he called "hot." He did say all four are located within Porter County.
"They're all subject to sensitive negotiations," he said, adding the negotiations are "too critical right now" to be discussed in public.
He wouldn't say, either, whether one of those projects involved Bass Pro Shops' proposal to locate at AmeriPlex.
The Missouri-based sporting goods retailer is asking $17.5 million in financial assistance from the city in the way of revenue bonds. Bass Pro also has been negotiating with the state for incentives.
Maurer did say both the public and private sectors have worked together to bring Bass Pro to the city. "The whole group is optimistic there will be a positive announcement," he said.
Maurer didn't comment on any negotiations the state may be having on economic incentives for Cabela's, a huge sporting goods retailer considering a Hammond store.
Maurer, who also serves as the Indiana Secretary of Commerce, said that in the last year, the newly formed IEDC, which replaced the Department of Commerce, has made more competitive deals than in the previous two years combined.
"We made deals while giving away less incentives," he said, adding the agency also has set higher standards, requiring a return to Indiana taxpayers.
"We don't give a nickel out to anybody unless Indiana gets something in return," he said.
Maurer also touted Gov. Mitch Daniel's Major Moves transportation plan as a force for development.
"I know that folks up here have a lot of questions," he said, but added the legislation is now a foregone conclusion with the passage of the bill by the House and its nearly certain approval in the Republican-controlled Senate.
"It's a parade, you might as well step in front," he said.