The Milroy Economic Development Council (MEDC) hosted a special meeting recently. The group of area business people, concerned citizens and invited guests came together in an effort to take a proactive approach regarding anticipated growth resulting from Honda’s decision to locate a new manufacturing plant in nearby Decatur County.

“Growth is going to happen quick and we want to present what we have to offer and make clear what is in the works for this area of Rush County,” Rob Jackman, president of the MEDC, said.

Many of those in attendance heard for the first time of the numerous improvements to the rural community in the southern part of Rush County.

According to Jackman, the INDOT project in Milroy is slated to begin in early 2007 and be completed six months later. The nearly $3 million project got a local boost in regards to additional improvements when Milroy formed a committee to purchase lights for the downtown area. The committee has already purchased 37 lights that will be installed during the transportation enhancement project next year.

Jackman informed those at the recent meeting that two new businesses are in the process of locating in the community and that an effort is underway to market Milroy to attract growth resulting from the new Honda manufacturing plant in nearby Greensburg.

State Senator Bob Jackman and State Representative Cleo Duncan were on hand and reported that plans for the $8 million SR 244 project—from SR 3 to Interstate 74— which is currently on hold as a result of the Major Moves program, is still on the table.

The MEDC was formed in the early 1980s as a means to preserve the Milroy School and do everything possible to improve the quality of life in the small town, as well as increase business growth in the area.

Much of the talk at the most recent meeting centered on improving the image of the area and seeking to let businesses in nearby counties know of the growth opportunities in the area.

Mark Sloan of the Rush County ECDC office spoke of a number of possible business ventures also looking to locate in the Milroy area, although no specifics were given.

“We need to be prepared for the potential growth and not sit back and simply expect growth to happen. We are meeting to find more ways to be prepared,” Jean Ann Harcourt said.

Read more on Milroy’s growth plans in upcoming editions of the Rushville Republican.

Frank Denzler can be contacted at (765) 932-2222 or via e-mail at frank.denzler@cnhimedia.com. To add a comment to this story visit our Website at www.rushvillerepublican.com.