All collected data and subsequent project proposals for the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program (HELP) are now in the hands of a Purdue University team looking to complete a strategic investment plan (SIP) by mid-September.

Franklin County Economic Development Director John Palmer announced such at the commission’s monthly meeting Monday morning.

The program is a collaboration locally between the county and town of Brookville, designed to identify lasting positive impacts throughout the area. Pathway teams worked with state university representatives earlier this year in narrowing down ideas. Public input was also gathered.

One proposal is rehabbing the Laurel Community Center, the former Laurel High School given to the town of Laurel many years ago.

Palmer called the Panther gymnasium “marvelous,”and noted the kitchen/cafeteria are fine but said old classrooms are in poor shape. A food bank is already in the works but if elected officials give the go-ahead, things like childcare, healthcare and small business could get a home there.

The president added Laurel is seeing progress overall. Loans were secured to upgrade water and wastewater systems, though the town may yet be waiting to receive all the funds.

Staying in the same vicinity, another proposal is the establishment of some type of healthcare facility near Metamora. Palmer pointed out a free mobile health clinic tends to the Metamora-Laurel-Andersonville area, but residents generally must travel for health services or emergencies and often space is limited inside the clinic.

Two other proposals are water and wastewater upgrades at the Franklin County Park/Fairgrounds and a type of internet education program for residents that could benefit both business owners and residents who may be targets for sophisticated scammers.

Palmer said about $150,000 of the approximate $1 million grant would remain for other proposals, of which three were submitted by Brookville. The SIP is expected by Sept. 14, after which HELP administrators will go before local government to pitch proposals.

Jessica Hansel, member and Brookville special projects director, stated the PreservINg Main Street Façade Grant will be rebid due to no bids received during the first attempt. She was told by architects this was not uncommon due mainly to contractors’busy schedules. Bids are extended to June 29 with a pre-bid conference June 15, 10 a.m., at the municipal building. Advertising was expanded to include Cincinnati and Indianapolis.

Palmer brought news from the southwest corner of the county. The airport on Enochsburg Road is now KHLB Airport with the new owners being Epicenter Aviation, a consolidation of East West Helicopter Inc. and Panterra Heli Support Ltd. Sales, leasing and maintenance of choppers, as well as jet refueling, are primary services at the privately owned, public use facility. East West has a listed address on Kilby Road in Harrison, Ohio, principal name of William Barry Pruss. Panterra is based in Ontario, Canada, principal listed as Patric Wells. Employee count, according to LinkedIn, is between 11-50.

The owners want to be a “good neighbor”as Palmer put it and the county will work with the new operation as needed. He added the business will not pay property taxes as it is public, but employees will pay income taxes.

There was some conversation about the lack of mobile phone service in areas recently upgraded with improved broadband. It was noted home signal boosters may not be readily available from certain companies. Member Greg Orschell said people may be unaware they can switch their phones to Wi-Fi calling if the home system works well. Palmer said he’ll likely approach the cell companies to reach out to customers who may be having trouble.
Next meeting is July 10, 11:30 a.m.