Homeland Security Training to create 600 plus jobs
Governor Kernan announces plans for MSDC
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Last Wednesday Governor Joe Kernan stood before a large crowd at the Muscatatuck State Developmental Center and made the announcement that plans are in the works to make the facility a homeland security training center in the near future.

Much speculation and rumors had been circulating about the announcement the governor made, but it was official on September 1, before an estimated crowd of 200.

State and local officials, along with members of the Indiana National Guard, and other dignitaries were in attendance as the governor addressed the crowd. Congressman Baron Hill was present taking his place by the governor at the podium as he spoke. Hill noted, "I fully support creating a homeland security training facility at Muscatatuck. Not only would this facility provide homeland security and urban warfare training, it has the potential to bring significant economic benefit to North Vernon and the surrounding communities."

North Vernon's Mayor John Hall attended the proceedings and said the impact of such a facility would be felt in Jennings and surrounding counties.

It is projected that the facility will offer as many as 600 jobs, possibly more when it is fully operational. It was noted that it would take some time before this happens.

The cost to run the training facility was estimated at about $2.6 million for the first year. General Martin Umbarger of the Indiana National Guard noted that he hopes to obtain federal assistance for the project.

There will be National Guard administrators in place by the summer of 2005 to begin transforming the present facility into the training center. Umbarger noted that there will be thousands of troops coming to train at the Butlerville facility, with some of that training possibly beginning yet this fall. There are 66 buildings that will be used for training. These building were originally going to be torn down costing millions of dollars.

The general said the setting at MSDC was perfect for the training that will take place there and military trained there will be more prepared to defend the state.

Three years ago the announcement came that the use of MSDC as it had been known for years would end by the year 2005. Plans to remove the residents living there began and nearly all have been placed in alternative living facilities. The remainder of the residents (74) will be moved by the first of next year.

In an earlier article, it was published that the state would give land to Purdue University's Agricultural Center at MSDC. This plan is still in place, involving 1,000 acres for forestry research. The Brush Creek Reservoir will remain open to the public for the most part just as it's been in the past. Purdue will transfer nearly 140 acres of land for an industrial park.

Local fire departments are excited about the project saying this could provide training opportunities for them as well.

Jennings County officials are optimistic about the training center, welcoming it with open arms. They see the possibility of infrastructure improvements and much more through its existence. They also see much needed jobs that envelope a wide variety of aspects.

After the events of September 11, 2001, it is not likely that homeland security will diminish in the future and the need for a facility such as the one proposed at Muscatatuck will continue to be of great importance.

While the initial closing of MSDC was a shock to the community, the announcement of the training facility seemed to be the boost local officials were looking for.

"Governor Kernan and General Umbarger should be commended for their vision in recognizing the potential of Muscatatuck to be used in this capacity. I will do all I can in Congress to make this training center a reality," concluded Congressman Hill.