A premier real estate development advisory and consulting firm has been engaged to provide economic impact analysis services to a local organization supporting the proposed Mid-States Corridor project. The announcement was made during the annual meeting of Dubois Strong, an organization whose mission is to promote economic development in Dubois County and southwest Indiana. The meeting, which this year was held virtually on September 2, recapped the organization’s recent activities and reported on its future plans, which include the analysis by Hunden Strategic Partners (HSP.)
The consulting firm is led by Rob Hunden, with its primary office in Chicago and professionals in Indianapolis and Minneapolis. The firm offers the full-range of market and financial feasibility services, as well as economic and fiscal impact analyses for game-changing development projects, including transit-oriented developments (rail, road, airport, parking), mixed-use developments, hotels, residential, office, retail, restaurant, meeting and event facilities, sports complexes, arenas, entertainment venues, convention centers, recreation facilities, and public spaces. Hunden has worked on more than 700 projects or studies in the past 25 years, with more than $5 billion in built, successful projects.
The proposed Mid-States Corridor would connect Dubois and Spencer counties to an existing Interstate highway network to the north and south, providing a safe, fast and convenient link for local businesses and motorists to the larger multi-state region. The project would provide a crucial connection along a north-south transportation artery to hubs such as Indianapolis and Nashville, TN, and beyond, via I-69 and I-165 in Kentucky, of which the notable missing link is through Dubois and Spencer counties.
“Our main topic for this year’s annual meeting was ‘Southern Indiana Transportation Connectivity,’ and we were pleased to hear the level of support for the Mid-States Corridor expressed by our participants. The HSP analysis will provide an understanding of the potential positive impacts of the Corridor, including increased business activity, shorter commutes, greater job opportunities, enhanced tourism and other tax and economic benefits,” said Ed Cole, president of Dubois Strong.
OFS CEO Hank Menke said, “I hate to have to go through the federal process as the end game will be 450 to 650 feet wide. It will probably be an express, not an interstate.”
He continued, “It will cut through property. There will be sacrifices to be made.”
Menke noted the vitality of the region will depend on diversity. He said COVID-19 has decimated the furniture industry and job opportunities in other fields are necessary.
Dubois Strong is Dubois County’s lead economic development organization whose main focus is workforce population growth, complementary business attraction, and the support of new start-ups. Ed Cole is the President. For additional information about Dubois Strong, including how to become an investor, visit duboisstrong.com or phone 812-482-9650. The Dubois Strong office is located at Vincennes University Jasper, 961 College Avenue.
