Donnelly Applauds Groundbreaking of Expansion and Renovation Project at Grissom Aeroplex

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly applauded the groundbreaking of an expansion and renovation project at Grissom Aeroplex in Miami, Indiana, hosted by the Miami County Economic Development Council.

The project will expand and renovate Hangar 200, a protective structure that stores aircraft, at the Aeroplex. These improvements will allow Hangar 200 to serve as the new location for an aircraft maintenance company, Dean Baldwin Painting. This expansion will result in the creation of an estimated 200 new jobs at Dean Baldwin Painting.

"Congratulations to the Miami County Economic Development Authority for today's successful groundbreaking ceremony," said Donnelly. "This project is a huge boost for the local economy because it's expected to create about 200 jobs for Hoosiers in north central Indiana."

Jim Tidd, Executive Director of the Miami County Economic Development Authority, said "Thank you to Congressman Donnelly for his work on this project. It is great news for our local economy. In addition to creating an estimated 200 jobs, this project will help diversify the regional economy and provide an opportunity for future aviation development in the area."

Specifically, the project includes:

* Expansion of the east and west sides of Hangar 200 by approximately 50,000 square feet total to accommodate wide body aircraft

* Office renovations

* Fire suppression system upgrades

* Wastewater pretreatment upgrades

* New heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system for paint operations

The $13.8 million project is being funded jointly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Economic Development Administration (EDA), Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, and the local match provided by Miami County. Dean Baldwin Painting has signed a 30-year lease with Miami County and is expected to employ 200 people within two years.

Donnelly was unable to attend the groundbreaking, but he has been a consistent advocate for this project. In February of this year, Donnelly worked across the aisle with Senator Dick Lugar and Congressman Dan Burton to send a letter in support of the project to the Assistant Secretary of Economic Development at the EDA. Also, members of Donnelly's staff have had multiple conversations with the EDA, USDA, and the Miami County Economic Development Authority to ensure the success of this project.

Read this original document at: http://donnelly.house.gov/2012/05/donnelly-applauds-groundbreaking-of-expansion-and-renovation-project-at-grissom-aeroplex.shtml

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