The mayor of Carmel stated Monday that Republic Airways intends to relocate training operations and the company's corporate offices to a section of U.S. Route 31 in the city. According to a city announcement, the project is estimated to create approximately 2,000 new jobs in Carmel .
Republic Airways jobs operate its current corporate headquarters in Indianapolis, according to the company's website. "We are excited to welcome Republic Airways to Carmel. We are especially pleased that their state-of-the-art training facility will bring opportunities for career and workforce development in an industry sector that is not available elsewhere in the area," Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard said in a news release.
The city intends to fund the project with approximately $50 million in tax increment financing (TIF) bonds, which the Carmel City Council Jobs will examine. According to the city-states, the bond proceeds would be utilized to support infrastructure improvements for the site. Investments like this one, according to Councilman Jeff Worrell, are uncommon.
"This is the stamp of approval that all the steps that we've been taking over the last 25 years using TIF, drawing in and creating an environment that brings in employees and corporate headquarters, are so good," Worrell told IndyStar.
Councilman Adam Aasen said the project would be a chance for Hoosiers who want to gain new skills. "This is an opportunity for them to skill up maybe and get a higher paying job and make more money for their families," Aasen told IndyStar Monday. "That means more tax revenue for the city."