FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO):  State Representative Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement today after the Fort Wayne Capital Improvement Board agreed to dedicate $6.5 million in local food and beverage tax revenues toward the Ash Brokerage Corporation expansion planned for downtown Fort Wayne:

“I am delighted any time we are able to take significant steps toward providing additional good-paying jobs for the people of Fort Wayne and Allen County. At a time when our state economy is still struggling, decisions like the one made by Ash Brokerage to expand its operations in our community can only be positive.

“I am particularly delighted that a state law I authored back in 2009 (House Enrolled Act 1514) was able to play a significant role in today’s decision.

“This act gives local officials the flexibility needed to provide assistance that can help this project become a reality. It will not impact the original uses for the food and beverage taxes: paying off the bonds used to rebuild the Allen County Coliseum. I believe this is the first time that Fort Wayne officials have been able to use this economic development tool, and I cannot think of a better use for it.

“We are talking about more than 100 new jobs once the project is complete, as well as many more construction jobs that will be provided as the work gets under way. The benefits will be felt for many years to come.”