Indiana Awards $42M for Recycling and New License Plate Launches

Indiana has announced significant funding and initiatives to enhance community engagement and environmental sustainability. The Indiana Recycling Market Development Board has awarded a total of $42 million in grants aimed at expanding recycling efforts across the state. Among the beneficiaries is Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc., located in Lake County, which will receive $301,011 to divert an additional 32,812 tons of recyclable materials annually. This initiative is expected to generate over $15.7 million in total investments, create 42 jobs, and prevent nearly 197,884 tons of waste from entering landfills each year.

The grants are administered by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and include funding for several other organizations. Notable recipients include CT Polymers in Marshall County with $500,000, Greencycle in Marion County receiving $453,989, and Nexus IN RNG – Laporte, LLC, also receiving $500,000.

New Appointments and Tourism Development

In addition to the recycling grants, Governor Mike Braun has recently appointed local residents to various state boards and commissions. This includes Elizabeth Bergeron for the Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services Commission from LaPorte County and Rick Smith for the Underground Plant Protection Advisory Committee from Lake County. Other notable appointments include Thomas Collins to the Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority Board and Chuck Williams to the Ports of Indiana Commission.

Furthermore, Indiana Dunes Tourism is launching a grant program offering $50,000 to support community projects and events that attract visitors to Porter County. The application deadline is set for December 1, 2023, with recipients announced on January 5, 2024. This initiative is open to for-profit, non-profit, and governmental organizations, encouraging a wide range of projects aimed at boosting local tourism.

Healthcare and Educational Initiatives

On the healthcare front, Dr. Marrium Siddiqui has joined the Franciscan Physician Network as an infectious disease physician in Crown Point. Dr. Siddiqui, who earned her medical degree from Lincoln Memorial University, is now accepting new patients at the Franciscan Physician Network Specialty Center.

In a move to enhance community pride and support education, Purdue University Northwest (PNW) will introduce a new specialty license plate starting in January 2024. This initiative allows Indiana residents to showcase their school spirit while contributing to scholarships for PNW students. The license plate, featuring PNW’s distinctive gold and black colors, requires a $40 fee, with $25 directed towards the university’s scholarship fund.

These developments underline Indiana’s commitment to fostering community growth, promoting environmental sustainability, and supporting education and healthcare initiatives.