Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) announced Monday that Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind., is part of a new state plan to create a more strategic approach to grow Indiana’s defense industry and military assets, the Kokomo Tribune reported.
The new plan, outlined in a Governor’s Office press release, involves a “comprehensive realignment” of Indiana’s defense efforts by repositioning the Indiana Office of Defense Development (IODD) as a new business unit of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC).
Officials say the new plan complements Indiana’s major defense installations, including Grissom Air Reserve Base, the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division, Camp Atterbury and Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, according to the report.
“With a strong military presence and network of defense assets, combined with the tactical advantage of our state’s pro-growth business climate, Indiana is perfectly positioned to be at the center of global advancements and growth in defense,” Holcomb said in the release.
The announcement coincides with a new state law that allows a business park around Grissom to renew its economic development status intended to draw business to the area.
The law allows inactive military bases, including Grissom Aeroplex, once part of the base, the opportunity to renew as an enterprise zone, according to the report.
Approximately 15 businesses would be included if Grissom’s enterprise zone is renewed, allowing employees to receive tax deductions, and financial institutions could receive interest deductions on collections from business loans within the enterprise zone.
The new strategic approach also aims to build on a trend of major defense contractors like AM General, BAE Systems, Honeywell International, Raytheon, Rolls-Royce and Saab growing their operations in Indiana, according to the report.
Air Force photo by Senior Airman Harrison Withrow