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Brand, Fernandez lead local group seeking support from Congress for local development efforts
March 31, 2000
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Indiana University President Myles Brand and Bloomington Mayor John Fernandez led a group of university officials and community leaders to Washington, D.C., this week (March 29) to meet with members of Indiana's congressional delegation and to build support for local economic development efforts.
The Indiana University/Bloomington Business Partnership (IUBBP) is sponsored by the Bloomington Economic Development Corp. It was established in 1998 by city, county and business leaders to enhance advocacy efforts for IU and the Bloomington community.
"Clearly, the future of IU and the Bloomington community are intertwined," said Brand. "We have a tremendous opportunity to leverage the assets of Indiana University for the growth of the Bloomington economy."
"Continued support for research and development is critical for the well-being of the Bloomington community," said Fernandez. "Our community leaders understand the importance of IU's Bloomington campus and its research enterprise to our local economy. We are deeply committed to this advocacy effort."
During the one-day blitz, IUBBP members met with Sens. Evan Bayh and Richard Lugar, and Reps. John Hostettler, Baron Hill and David McIntosh. In addition, they spoke with the staff of Rep. Ed Pease.
The group expressed gratitude to the congressional delegation for its support in many local projects, including the Midwest Proton Radiation Institute, Air 21 funding for the Monroe County Airport, and the Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention. They also underscored the importance of continued federal funding for basic research and the role that information technology will play in building a strong economy.
The IUBBP intends to make annual trips to Washington, D.C., and also will continue to work closely with state officials on funding economic development initiatives that advance both university and community needs.
The partnership builds on earlier efforts that have generated results for IU and Bloomington. The university and community worked together on successful proposals for federal training resources to address the needs of dislocated Thomson workers and for infrastructure enhancements. Lugar provided assistance and leadership in securing a $900,000 grant from the Economic Development Administration for road improvements at the Thomson site.
IUBBP members also played a critical role in securing funding from the Indiana General Assembly for a number of campus building projects, including $10 million in funding for the Midwest Proton Radiation Institute at the IU Cyclotron Facility.
(JT. Forbes, 812-855-7201, forbesjt@indiana.edu)