INDIANA LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 2018

Representative Brian C. Bosma Senator David C. Long Chairperson Vice-Chairperson Fort Wayne

Representative John Bartlett Senator Indianapolis Martinsville

Representative Timothy Brown Senator Crawfordsville Indianapolis

Representative Terry Goodin Senator Susan Glick Austin LaGrange

Representative Linda Lawson Senator Hammond Logansport

Representative Matthew Lehman Senator Berne Anderson

Representative Kathy Richardson Senator James Merritt Noblesville Indianapolis

Representative Gregory Steuerwald Senator Avon Portage

George Angelone Executive Director Legislative Services Agency INTERIM STUDY COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Membership Roster

House Senate Robert Morris Eric Bassler Chairperson Vice-Chairperson

John Bartlett Mike Bohacek House District 95 Senate District 8

Earl Harris Timothy Lanane House District 2 Senate District 25

Doug Miller House District 48 Senate District 6

Julie Olthoff House District 19 Senate District 27

Jim Pressel House District 20 Senate District 2

Vernon Smith House District 14 Senate District 40

Staff Seth Payton Mike Landwer Pamela Walters FINAL REPORT

Interim Study Committee on Commerce and Economic Development

I. STATUTORY DIRECTIVE

The Interim Study Committee on Commerce and Economic Development is authorized under IC 2-5-1.3-4. The committee is required under IC 2-5-1.3-13 to study issues assigned by the Legislative Council.

II. INTRODUCTION AND REASONS FOR STUDY The committee was charged with studying the issue of maximizing the underutilized economic resources of Gary, Indiana (Source: Senate Resolution 24.)

III. SUMMARY OF WORK PROGRAM

The committee met on September 26, 2018, at Gary International Airport in Gary, Indiana. At this meeting, the committee discussed and heard testimony regarding the various assets and economic development opportunities along the Lake Michigan waterfront in Gary, Indiana. Witnesses provided testimony on the following subjects: (1) struggles facing the City of Gary; (2) opportunities and improvements happening in the City of Gary; and (3) future plans for economic development in the City of Gary.

The committee met on October 15, 2018, in the State House, Indianapolis. At this meeting, the committee heard testimony and discussed two analyses. The analyses provided recommendations for the development of Gary as a logistics hub and gaming revenue forecasts for the relocation of Majestic Star casino.

The committee met on October 30, 2018, to discuss the proposed recommendations contained in the draft final report. [SUBSTANCE OF THE MEETING TO BE INSERTED].

The exhibits and minutes from these meetings and a video of each meeting can be accessed at: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2018/committees/i_commerce_and_economic_development_interim_study_commi ttee_on

V. COMMITTEE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Significant development opportunities exist in and along the Buffington Harbor area of the City of Gary. Therefore, the Interim Study Committee on Commerce and Economic Development supports the continued pursuit of the area’s highest and best use as an intermodal hub, and the necessary move of the Majestic Star Casino to an alternative location within the city to ensure that the development can achieve its full potential.

The committee considered and adopted the final report [by consent OR by a vote of _____.]

WITNESS LIST

Senator – District 42 Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson – Gary, Indiana Bill Hanna, President and CEO, Indiana Regional Development Authority

4 Denise Comer Dillard, The Methodist Hospital Matt Norris, Krieg DeVault John Vickerman, Vickerman and Associates Bill Alsup, Union Gaming Analytics [TO BE UPDATED]

5