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THIS IS AN ARCHIVED SITE

This site contains information that has been considered archived and will no longer be updated. Please click here to go to the CURRENT eda.gov website.

A bureau within the U.S. Department of Commerce
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Annual Report

Indiana


Program # of Grants EDA Funds
Economic Adjustment Assistance 1 $1,642,467
Planning 7 $688,418
Technical
Assistance
1 $188,373
Total 9 $2,519,258

In southern Indiana’s Jefferson County, the lack of interstate highway access makes rail access critical to attract new industry, investment and expansions of existing industry. However, the 25 mile rail line operating from Madison to North Vernon, Indiana, was constructed with 70-pound track that was insufficient for heavier rail cars. The track limitations caused pricing issues, inhibited the ability of the city of Madison to receive products, and stymied the region’s growth.

In July 2014, EDA awarded $1.6 million to the city of Madison, Indiana, to upgrade critical railroad infrastructure to support increased commerce. By upgrading to 115-pound track, Madison’s Meese Orbitron Dunne, a plastics design and manufacturing company, will be able to expand its product line. Meese is dependent upon the rail system for distribution of its products and materials and has already invested $6 million toward the expansion. According to the grantee, this expansion will create 15 new jobs and save an existing 110 jobs. The increased capacity of the railroad will also assist with future economic development for the region.