Indiana Recycling Board Awards $42M in Grants for Environmental Growth

The Indiana Recycling Market Development Board has approved approximately $42 million in grants aimed at enhancing recycling initiatives across the state. This funding will support six organizations, including Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc. in Lake County, which will receive $301,011 to help divert an additional 32,812 tons of recyclable materials from landfills each year.

The grants, administered by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, are projected to result in total investments exceeding $15.7 million. This initiative is expected to create 42 jobs and prevent nearly 197,884 tons of materials from entering landfills annually. Other recipients of the grants include CT Polymers, Greencycle, Nexus IN RNG, Plastic Recycling Inc., and the Trustees of Indiana University, with individual awards ranging from $45,000 to $500,000.

New State Appointments Enhance Local Governance

Residents of Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties have been appointed to various state boards and commissions by Governor Mike Braun. These appointments include individuals such as Elizabeth Bergeron of Unity of Indiana, who will serve on the Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services Commission, and Rick Smith from NIPSCO, who has been named to the Underground Plant Protection Advisory Committee.

Additionally, Thomas Collins of the Luke Family of Brands joins the Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority Board, while Chuck Williams from CL Williams and Companies takes a position on the Ports of Indiana Commission. Other notable appointments are Richard Hudson, who will serve on the State Board of Registration for Land Surveyors, and Andy Snyder of the LaPorte Fire Department, who joins the Secured School Safety Board.

Tourism and Health Initiatives in Northwest Indiana

In a bid to promote local tourism, Indiana Dunes Tourism is offering $50,000 in grants for community projects, marketing initiatives, and unique events designed to attract visitors to Porter County. The application deadline for these grants is December 1, 2023, with recipients set to be announced on January 5, 2024. Eligible applicants include for-profit and non-profit organizations, as well as governmental entities.

On the health front, Dr. Marrium Siddiqui, a newly appointed infectious disease physician, has joined the Franciscan Physician Network in Crown Point. Dr. Siddiqui completed her medical degree at Lincoln Memorial University and her fellowship in infectious diseases at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. She is now accepting new patients at the Franciscan Physician Network Specialty Center.

Applications are also open for the NWIIWA Mentoring Program, which aims to support the development of future women leaders. The program encourages participants to work closely with mentors to achieve their personal and professional goals over six months. The deadline for applications is December 3, 2023.

As part of a new initiative, Purdue University Northwest will launch a specialty license plate in January 2024. This initiative allows Indiana residents to showcase their school spirit while contributing to scholarships for students at PNW. Each plate will cost $40, with $25 of that amount directed toward funding student scholarships.

These developments highlight ongoing efforts to enhance community resources, promote environmental sustainability, and foster educational opportunities within Indiana.