Brand, Fernandez go to Washington

IU President Myles Brand and Bloomington Mayor John Fernandez led a group of university officials and community leaders to Washington, D.C., on April 3 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 Corporation. Established in 1998 by city, county, IU and business leaders, it enhances advocacy efforts for IU and the people of Monroe County.

“The past and the future of Indiana University and the City of Bloomington are intertwined. So, too, are our economic interests. The community benefits from a strong university,” said IU President Myles Brand. “Bloomington’s opportunities and lifestyle help attract outstanding students and faculty members to IU. I’m pleased that the university and the community have been able to work together closely to state our case to our leaders in Washington, D.C.”

During the one-day blitz, IUBBP members met with Sens. Evan Bayh and Richard Lugar, and Reps. Brian Kearns, John Hostettler, Baron Hill and Peter Visclosky to seek continued support for several university projects. Among those are the Midwest Proton Radiation Institute, an IU/Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center tele-support program, a program for dislocated workers and an expansion of an ongoing IU initiative that encourages minority students to enroll in teacher education.

In addition to seeking support for important projects of mutual concern, the group expressed appreciation for securing nearly $2 million in funds for the improvement of the Monroe County Airport. The group also made the case for the city’s acquisition of rail lines, and relocation and development of a state-of the-art transload/switch facility within the city’s industrial corridor.

The city has proposed that the former McDoel Switch Yard would then be turned into a new urban park with pedestrian/bike trails connecting to existing trails to the south. The project would permit Bloomington to eliminate freight traffic through the city’s urban core, turn a 100-year-old switch yard into a community asset and create a modern transload facility.

“We want to show our appreciation for recent federal funding for the Monroe County Airport and seek similar support for an important rail project that will significantly transform our urban landscape,” said Mayor John Fernandez. “A strong airport benefits both the community and the university. Similarly, the urban rail project we are embarking upon will significantly transform our urban landscape for our citizens and visitors to our vibrant community.”

This visit was the second in a series of annual trips the university/community partnership plans to make to Washington, D.C. The university and community leaders also continue to work closely with state officials on funding economic development initiatives that advance both university and community needs.

“The partnership began as an effort to treat Indiana University as our most important retention project. We want to do everything we can to encourage expansion and continued investment on the campus,” said Linda Williamson, president of the Bloomington Economic Development Corporation.

Lee Marchant, chairman of the IUBBP committee, said it is very important that officials at both the state and federal levels understand the important role that IU and other research institutions play in Indiana’s economy.

“We want to make certain that our congressional delegation understands the importance of our major research universities as economic drivers,” Marchant said. “IU is vital not only to the economies of Bloomington and surrounding counties but for all of Indiana.”

The partnership builds on earlier efforts that have generated results for IU and Bloomington. The university and community worked together on proposals for federal training resources to address the needs of dislocated workers and for infrastructure enhancements. They also underscore the importance of continued federal funding for basic research and the role that information technology will play in building a strong economy.

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.

 

IU President Myles Brand and Bloomington Mayor John Fernandez (left) led the one-day Washington, D.C., visit with legislators, including U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar (right). They sought support for several university projects, some of which are profiled in todayÕs Federal Relations Report.