Bill To Boost Indiana's Metro Areas Passes Senate

A bill meant to find ways to help the state’s regional metropolitan areas is headed to Gov. Mike Pence to be signed into law.

House Bill 1035 passed the Senate unanimously on Tuesday.

The bill requires the Indiana Economic Corporation to complete a study by Oct. 1 to determine how to make metropolitan areas – including Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend and others – more attractive places to live and work.

HB1035 will assess the economic potential of Indiana metropolitan areas by identifying the regions’ strengths and drivers of growth.

The bill will also recommend quality of life improvements and come up with financing options driven primarily by private investments and a mix of local and state funding.

The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Ed Charbonneau, R-Valparaiso, said the bill will “attract talent to Indiana by making places to live more attractive.”

Erika Brock is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.

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