Infrastructure
Will there be improvements to utilities?
IEC Site 1 has utilities in place or nearby. However, larger-scale projects will need improvements to meet typical capacity requirements. The community and businesses will benefit from replacement and upgrades of lines and systems to better serve the area. Local utility partners will work closely with General Motors to determine improvements need to line capacity, location, and more.
Will there be any road improvements to the site?
St. Joseph County is working with the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and General Motors to review and finalize State Road 2 access to the site. Once INDOT has approved access, any improvements needed to the State Road 2 corridor will be completed as part of INDOT’s planned roadway improvements during the 2025 construction season. The County will work with INDOT and General Motors to review and finalize intersection improvements to State Road 2 and Larrison Boulevard. Intersection improvements to manage future traffic conditions of the industrial area, including the project, which could include basic improvements to existing conditions or could include construction of an interchange, will be coordinated with INDOT and other State agencies and be completed before the Substantial Completion Date of the Project.
The County need not perform itself but will pay the costs for any necessary local traffic improvements within the Indiana Enterprise Center. The County and General Motors will coordinate improvements to Fillmore Road (the "Fillmore Improvements"), including but not limited to road widening and installation of a ditch crossing structure. The County would incorporate the Fillmore Improvements with bidding for the utility improvements. The Fillmore Improvements will be completed by October 31, 2024. If improvements are required on Larrison Boulevard, those improvements will be coordinated with the Fillmore Improvements project timeline and the State Road 2 and Larrison Boulevard improvements and be completed at a time before Substantial Completion.
Who is paying for the improvements?
Funding sources for infrastructure and utility improvements will include state, county, private, and federal sources. The County will use business taxes captured in the TIF (see Economic Development Terms) to fund improvements. The County does not use resident taxes to support business infrastructure upgrades or improvements.
To aid the County in performing its duties, General Motors will pay the County, on an annual basis, the amount of $4,500,000 (the "Infrastructure Payment") for ten years, with each payment due on or before January 1 of each year. The first Infrastructure Payment will be due January 1, 2026. The County can, at its discretion, use the Infrastructure Payment in any way it elects. General Motors will have no control or direction over using the Infrastructure Payment.
The Development Agreement (Resolution No. R-12-C-2023) is available online at the St. Joseph County Agenda Center (Board of Commissioners and Redevelopment Commission, May 23, 2023).