Letter to the Editor

Greene County's

bargain

To the Editor:

To many of Greene County residents, the progress taking place within the WestGate Tech Park is only defined by pictures of buildings either being planned, in progress or completed. We also become excited about the contracts for work received from the Navy by our resident contractors. These sights and words are all good indicators.

What we see and read represents major commitments by the WestGate Developers ($18 million in PRIVATE funds) and significant commitments for infrastructure by the tri-counties ($6M). A primary commitment in infrastructure comes from the greatest source of economic well-being in the area, the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane (NWSC). Crane command graciously allows the park to utilize its wastewater treatment facility until a time comes when the tri-county park has a facility of its own.

Of the $6 million costs incurred since 2006, Greene County has contributed a total of approximately $500,000. Of the $500,000, $159,000 was contributed from the Riverboat funds, $84,000 was paid by the Greene County Redevelopment Board (GCRCB) for a sewer line expansion from Greene County connecting to NWSC Crane in Martin County. An additional $257,000 was paid by the GCRDB for attorney and engineering fees.

What Greene County has received in return in four years is certainly compelling. Greene County residents represent more than half of the tech park employees at an average salary of $51,000 per year. These employees have paid Greene County an estimated $1,725,390 in direct taxes in the form of COIT (County Option Income Tax) and property taxes. After deduction of federal and state taxes, these GREENE COUNTY folks had an estimated $37,000,000 (yes that's $37 million dollars) available discretionary money to spend. Hopefully, the largest percentage was spent in our county. This data serves as a significant measurement of success at Westgate for our county.

In this regional effort at WestGate, Greene County has profited the most with the least investment.

Many have strived to make WestGate at Crane a world class facility to assist the U.S. Navy in providing the best support possible for our men and women in harms way. Private and public treasure is in play at significant risk. Many individuals serve in many capacities to solve the complexities of creating a CERTIFIED TECHNICAL PARK in a TRI-COUNTY environment. This tri-county effort is unique to the state of Indiana and rare in our nation.

Residents should note that of the many complexities and issues (some very contentious and vigorously presented and defended) brought before the WESTGATE AUTHORITY over the four-year period, all were settled by unanimous vote with only two exceptions.

The WGA is a group of seven good people from three counties working together with a host of others for regional economic improvement. Our decision-making mindset is to always strive to do "the right" thing for our combined counties with the primary focus on establishment of good high paying jobs. Success is evident and even more is forthcoming in the coming year.

Ron Toon

Greene County Member

of the Westgate Authority

Member of the GCRDB (eight years)

Bloomfield