University receives check for Regional Cities

Trine University received the first installment of $2.8 million in Regional Cities Initiative funding from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation for the Thunder Ice Arena and MTI Center.

The check for more than $1 million from the Northeast Indiana Regional Development Authority was presented by members of the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) board. Pictured are, from left, Craig Ralston, president of the SCEDC board; Richard Hickman, mayor of Angola; Jason Blume, executive director of Trine University’s Innovation One; Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Trine president; Isaac Lee, executive director, SCEDC; Brett Shull, town manager, Hamilton; Vivian Likes, city planner, Angola; Dave Martin, mayor pro tem, Angola City Council; and Hitesh Patel, owner/operator, Ramada Inn, Angola.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation approved the funding following a recommendation from the Northeast Indiana Regional Development Authority. The Northeast Indiana RDA is responsible for distributing $42 million in funds granted to the 11-county region through Indiana’s Regional Cities Initiative.

The Thunder Ice Arena opened to the public in September, and hosts community hockey and skating programs in addition to Trine’s men’s and women’s hockey teams. The MTI Center, which will include three basketball courts, a six-lane bowling alley, esports arena and fitness center, opens in January.

The balance will be presented to the university after the MTI Center is completed.