Development News From Southwest Indiana

Operation to possibly bring 150-200 jobs
A new barge-building operation in Tell City, Ind., isn't yet fully approved by state and federal officials, but it's already generating lots of interest from people who may want to work there. A Web site is now accepting job applications. The site has received more than 5,000 hits since it first went up less than a month ago, said Greg Wathen, executive director of the Perry County; Ind., Development Corp.

The Web site is operated by Tell City Marine Contractors, LLC -the new barge-maker. The builder is expected to bring between 150 to 200 jobs. Interviews with job applicants most likely won't begin until sometime this fall, said Wathen.
"By then all the required permits should have been granted," he said, referring to permits needed from the state and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

A group of private investors mostly from Louisville, Ky. -wants to establish Tell City Marine Contractors, LLC, 'on the river-front site of the former Maxon Marine Industries. Progress is being made in the permitting process, Wathen said. "But no deal is a done deal until it's completely finished," he said.

The main holdup is determining where to relocate the Tell City River Port's home base to everyone's satisfaction, he said, adding that "we're gaining on that too, though."

Both the land and old buildings on the former Maxon site are owned by Tell City. A portion of the property is currently the home base of the Tell City River Port. If the barge-building project moves forward, the port authority likely would be moved to other city-owned property further south along the river, officials said.

Dick Neumann, vice president and chief executive officer of the Tell City River Port/Hoosier Southern Railroad, expects the old Maxon buildings will be rehabilitated for use by the new barge builder. The first barges are expected to begin rolling off the assembly line in early 2007, he and Wathen said. The private investors' lease on the property will soon expire. The City Council in Tell City will be requested to extend the lease until November. Wathen said he feels certain the request will be granted.