[r30] Kokomo looking to get in shape (9/14/2012)

Kokomo looking to get in shape

The Kokomo Common Council and the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance recently passed resolutions to support the construction of a new YMCA and parking garage in downtown Kokomo. Indiana is under the microscope as state and local officials work to address concerning health care issues moving forward.
 
The Hoosier state is one of only 12 states with over 30 percent of the adult population being categorized as obese according to a study conducted by the Center for Disease Control. Promoting a healthier Indiana is a vision I fully support that can only help benefit our community and its residents.

This project has been talked about for over a decade as the current YMCA is over 100 years old and outdated. The new YMCA and parking garage will have a positive impact on the district as this public-private partnership will help improve the health and welfare of our community and transform downtown Kokomo.
 
Building the necessary infrastructure for local businesses, including the new YMCA, is critical to its success. The new parking garage will expand the available downtown parking and increase the convenience and accessibility to local shops and hot spots.

Our city has been recognized as the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s Community of the Year.  This project demonstrates our continued willingness to revitalize our downtown area and further invest in our community. Howard County is a great place to live, work and raise a family. Projects like this bolster the quality of life for our residents and strengthen our economy.

Kokomo is part of the solution in leading Indiana towards a more prosperous future. Staying active by exercising regularly and having a nutritionally-balanced diet are critical to our future success. With the new YMCA building and parking garage, residents will have another weapon in their arsenal to stay in shape.

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Howard County release.docx