BY CHERYL PATRICK LEADER STAFF WRITER
Starke County Commissioners had the task of compiling a wish list on where to best spend stimulus dollars that will be divvied up between state and local governments. And according to Starke County Commissioner Kathy Norem, there are a vast array of areas that would qualify for the funds.
“The current proposal, called the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, covers possibilities for projects in energy, science and technology, small business opportunities, clean water, early childhood development, miscellaneous projects and the majority of the money being proposed to fund this bill is being set aside to modernize roads, bridges, transit, and waterways,” Norem said. 

The commissioners joined forces with other entities to comprise a list that will address many needs within the county.
“The Commissioners and Council worked with the Starke County Development Foundation to develop the long list of projects that we submitted for stimulus funding. The list includes a number of road and bridge projects, energy efficient upgrades for the courthouse, renovations for the jail, wastewater collection and treatment system, and a passing track extension in the industrial park,” she said.
Norem said that while every item on the list may not be awarded stimulus funds, those that are will have a positive effect on the county.
“Of course we are hopeful that all of our requests will be funded, but only time will tell if Starke County will receive any of the stimulus money to fund specific projects. While we realize there is a high probability not every project we submit a request for will be awarded stimulus money, any projects that are approved will be welcomed and will make an impact,” she said.
The following is a list of non-INDOT stimulus projects:
• Starke County Jail improvements (mechanical, plumbing, electrical and security) - $746,265
• Starke County Jail improvements (renovation of existing and
building addition) - $3,962,250
• New Fire Station/Community building, Koontz Lake - $1,227,940
• Wastewater Collection and Treatment System, Koontz Lake $14,312,000
• Starke County Office renovations (old glove factory) - $924,000
•Norwayne Field Infrastructure Upgrades - $104,500
• Starke County Courthouse Geothermal System  - $3,000,000 (request still under development)
• New Starke County Museum - $1,500,000
Total: 25,030,690