State gets federal grant to plan for impact of defense cuts

Indiana has been awarded a $2.7 million federal grant to help communities and businesses prepare for a downturn in Department of Defense spending.

Officials with the Indiana Office of Defense and Development say the state is looking for ways to lessen the blow of the expected downturn.

The grant will help pay for a study that will analyze which manufacturers, cities and towns will be most affected by the cuts. The results of the survey will be used to help find other compatible business and manufacturing opportunities for those who are impacted

Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann announced the grant award last week.

“It’s critical that we continue to help our defense companies diversify their scope and provide further assistance to ensure our workforce is equipped with the skill sets needed for the future," Ellspermann said in a prepared release.