A 60-acre industrial site south of Delphi is one of 10 sites across Indiana that earned the title of "shovel ready," paving the way for businesses to quickly locate new operations on property ready for development.

The site on US 421 is being developed by the Carroll County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC). These new sites join the list of 38 other "shovel ready" sites identified by the state since 2006 that have undergone extensive title work, proof of ownership, legal and environmental review and qualify for expedited permitting with state regulatory agencies.

"The EDC is excited that the Delphi options site, formerly known as Gray's Turkey Farm, has been certified 'shovel ready' by the State of Indiana," said Daryl Smith, CCEDC executive director. "This means the site has gone through all the preliminary title work, environmental studies, and more and is ready for purchase and work to begin."

"A 'shovel ready' designation gives a site a big boost in marketing. It puts it a step above other sites, prioritywise, in the state. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation will partner with us to help market the site to potential clients.

"With more and more companies looking for sites where they can have a shovel in the ground as quickly as possible, this program gives Indiana an advantage when it comes to competing with other states for new investments and new jobs," said E. Mitchell Roob Jr., secretary of commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. "We want to give companies every reason to choose Indiana and expedite job creation plans as we try to grow in spite of a slow national economy."

"The economy isn't booming right now, but it will rebound," said Smith. "The CCEDC's goal is to have sites prepared for that time when the economy improves.

The Delphi site is the first. We also have options on a second site in Flora. We will submit that for 'shovel ready' consideration in the next round of applications.

"Communities are realizing the impact this program can have in attracting new investment," said Brad Moore, shovel ready project manager for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. "Our steady stream of applicants is proof that the Shovel Ready program is fulfilling its mission of lowering costs and improving efficiencies in the site development process."

Passed in the 2005 legislative session as part of Governor Daniels' jobs agenda, "shovel ready" sites are certified by the state's Fast Access Site Team that consists of representatives from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Governor's Office, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana State Department of Health, Indiana State Department of Agriculture and the Indiana State Department of Homeland Security.

Certified sites have been eligible for matching grants to assist with eligible costs associated with applying for the shovel ready program. These sites are listed on the Indiana Economic Development Corporation's Site and Building Database at www.indianashovelready.com. This online resource allows site selection consultants and businesses to research available commercial and industrial properties that are available for quick development and investment.

"We are extremely pleased with the 'shovel ready' designation for the Delphi site and will aggressively market it," added Smith. "Our goal is to responsibly build the tax base of the county. This is one important step in that direction."