Investment in infrastructure is critical in order to see future growth in Starke County. That’s the assessment Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Charlie Weaver shared with the county commissioners last night. He and Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler jointly presented a five-year strategic infrastructure plan to the body. It includes an overview and timeline of bridge and road projects and justification for plans still on the drawing board.
Weaver previously asked the commissioners to allocate funds from the county economic development income tax, or CEDIT, to pay for road upgrades deemed essential to economic development. That’s also the pot of money county officials are eyeing to fund extensive courthouse renovations. Weaver told the commissioners he’s aware of the immediate needs at the courthouse and wants to be a part of the process to maximize the county’s resources and keep the road infrastructure plan on track.
The commissioners have taken the proposal under advisement in order to review it in detail with the county council before proceeding.
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