The Northwest Indiana Economic Development District (NWI EDD), covering Lake, Porter and LaPorte Counties, has completed and approved a draft Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).

According to a statement released on Friday, the public may comment on the document for 45 days, beginning today through 5 p.m. April 14.

The CEDS will be found at both the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission and Northwest Indiana Forum websites at www.nirpc.org

and www.nwiforum.orgComments should be submitted in writing to NWI EDD c/o Donald Koliboski at nwiedd@nwiforum.org

 or 6100 Southport Road, Portage, IN 46368.

“The deliberation and forethought incorporated in the CEDS, the roadmap to a brighter future, will help create jobs, foster a more stable and diversified economy, and improve living conditions,” the statement said. “It provides a mechanism to coordinate the efforts of individuals, organizations, local governments, and private industry concerned with economic development.”

The NWI EDD has been formed as an independent not-for-profit corporation for the purposes of completing a CEDS as a means to apply for EDD status from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), and to seek grant assistance and financial support for economic development projects in its territory. Per the EDA requirements, the public private partnership is comprised of 51 percent public officials and 49 percent private sector/business representation.

A CEDS is required to qualify for EDA assistance under its public works, economic adjustment, and most planning programs, and is a prerequisite for designation by EDA as an EDD.

Until independent EDD status is approved, the Northwest Indiana Forum and the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission are facilitating the development of the organization through a grant from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.

Posted 3/1/2010