Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Economic Development Bonds Support Battery Innovation Center in Greene County

From the Terre Haute Tribune-Star:

At least 30 new full-time jobs will be created at the WestGate@Crane Technology Park in Greene County for the Battery Innovation Center, a new research and technology center to develop energy storage devices and technology.

State and federal officials Monday took part in a ground-breaking ceremony for the $14 million, 32,000-square-foot facility, expected to be completed by mid next year.

Three major prospective clients for Battery Innovation Center are the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, Cummins Engines and Delphi, said Melissa Roberts, spokeswoman for Energy Systems Network, an Indianapolis-based nonprofit that focuses on developing Indiana’s “clean tech” industry.

The nonprofit BIC will serve as a base for a network of battery manufacturers, research labs, universities and government agencies focused on developing, commercializing and validating cutting-edge battery technologies.

Last month, the Greene County Council unanimously approved $15.6 million in economic development bonds to support construction of the BIC facility. The Greene County Redevelopment Commission sold an 8-acre site for $1 to the Greene County Building Corp., which will own the building and lease the facility to BIC. Taxes collected from a tax increment finance district will be used to pay off the bonds.
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http://tribstar.com/local/x1685972207/Battery-Innovation-Center-a-charge-for-Greene-County-economy