Kent Parisien of WestGate Authority testifies in support of certified technology parks at the Indiana Statehouse
January 22, 2023
JANUARY 20, 2023
Kent Parisien of WestGate Authority testifies in support of certified technology parks at the
Indiana Statehouse
On Thursday, Jan. 19, Board Member Kent Parisien of WestGate Authority testified before the
Indiana Senate Appropriations Committee in support of SB 271: Certified Technology Parks.
Authored by State Senator Brian Buchanan, SB 271 increases the additional annual incremental
income tax deposit amount a certified technology park can collect once it has reached its
lifetime limit on deposits from $100,000 to $500,000. The limit on deposits, per Indiana statute,
is $5,000,000 over the lifetime of the park.
“Crane Naval Base has an economic impact of over $2 billion per year. Historically, however,
that $2 billion has not only benefited Indiana. Prior to the technology park’s presence by the
base, much of the highest value work was being contracted to out of state entities due to a
shortage of businesses in Indiana specializing in high-tech, defense-related work,” said Parisien.
“Because of the revenue we are able to capture as a result of being a certified technology
park, WestGate has begun to remedy this economic loss by encouraging businesses with the
necessary specialties to locate here in Indiana.”
Created through legislation in 2002, certified technology parks are an economic development
tool designed to attract high-technology businesses to Indiana. Since 2006, the
WestGate@Crane Technology Park has sought to invest resources in the community and region
to entice high-technology businesses to the area to support Crane’s mission. If enacted, SB 271
will allow high-performing technology parks, like WestGate@Crane, to increase their
investments in these efforts.
“To date, the WestGate@Crane Technology Park has captured a total of $15.9 million in state
incremental tax revenues. This has allowed the technology park to leverage additional public
and private investments, bringing our total investment to $114.6 million,” Parisien stated.
“These dollars have had a direct impact on WestGate’s success, allowing us to accomplish a
great deal.”
The WestGate Authority has worked closely with Regional Opportunity Initiatives, Inc., to create
a comprehensive master plan that identifies future priorities with a high return on
investment. With the passage of Senate Bill 271, the Authority will be equipped to advance the
next phase of this plan, including infrastructure improvements near the park.
The bill passed the Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously and proceeds to the Senate
floor for consideration by the full legislative body. If passed, the Indiana House of
Representatives must also consider and pass the bill before it can be enacted by the Governor's
signature.
WestGate Authority will remain on the front lines as the bill makes its way through the
legislative process, advocating for its full enactment.
More information on WestGate Academy: WestGate Academy | WestGate Technology Hub | United States (westgate-academy.com)
More information on SB271: Certified Technology Parks can be found at
www.iga.in.gov/legislative/2023/bills/senate/271#digest-heading.
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Media Contact: Vittoria Meyer
Phone: 217-264-0758
Email: vmeyer@rjlsolutions.com