Portions of Marshall and Starke counties have been nominated as Opportunity Zones. The federal program seeks to attract private-sector investment to low-income communities through capital gains tax incentives. It was created under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
Governor Eric Holcomb has nominated 156 census tracts in Indiana to be included. One of those is the northwest portion of Plymouth, an area bounded roughly by Pioneer Drive, 7th Road, Michigan Street, and the Chicago, Fort Wayne & Eastern Railroad tracks. Also included in the governor’s nomination is the portion of Starke County north of Knox and south of U.S. 30.
According to the Governor’s Office, the nominations were based on a combination of factors, including existing economic development programs and the likelihood of attracting investment and industry. The areas were recommended by a five-member advisory group with input from local officials and residents.
The nominations now go to the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. Once approved, Opportunity Zone designations remain in place for 10 years
