As Richmond Common Council President, I got to work on several ordinances last night that will bring significant dollars to our community from both the Federal CARES Act and from new industry.

We approved Tax Abatements for Element 13 to build an aluminum foundry on 15.5 acres of our Midwest Industrial Park at Round Barn and Gaar Jackson Roads. This plant will bring 30 new jobs paying over $20/hour plus benefits. It will also bring $19,500,000 investments in a new plant and equipment.

We approved the appropriation of $250,000 through the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs office from the Federal COVID-19 Response Program. Businesses in the downtown and depot districts will be able to apply for grants to offset loses during the COVID-19 Health Emergency. This grant will be managed by the Center City Development Corporation, a National Trust Main Street Organization – commonly referred to as the Innovation Center.

We approved the appropriation of $1,561,464 for Roseview Transit through INDOT from the Federal CARES Act to support public transportation in our city.

We approved the appropriation of $30,000 for the Richmond Municipal Airport operations from the FAAs CARES Act funds.

We approved the appropriation of $807,385 to rehabilitate the Richmond Municipal Airport’s Taxiway A through another grant from the FAA.

During times of crisis, you can count on us to do everything we can to support our city.