VALPARAISO | The Porter County commissioners are looking into adopting an economic development tool already used by cities and towns.

A Porter County redevelopment commission was proposed Tuesday evening by Jim Jorgensen and Mike Bucko, representing the Porter County Economic Development Alliance.

The proposed commission would help come up with plans to bring new life to formerly developed land to the north along U.S. 6, U.S. 20 and U.S. 12. It also would plan for orderly growth on untouched properties along Ind. 2, Ind. 49 and Ind. 8, Jorgensen said.

Cities and towns around the county often have such commissions, but there is nothing in place to serve unincorporated areas, Jorgensen said.

There are several potential sources to fund the effort, including the use of tax increment financing districts, revenue from the county income tax and/or some of the proceeds from the sale of the county hospital.

"We feel pretty strongly the county needs that tool in its toolbox," Jorgensen said.

The commissioners were interested enough to agree to have County Attorney Gwenn Rinkenberger work with members of the volunteer economic development alliance to come up with a formal proposal by the commissioners' meeting Oct. 7.

The proposal was welcomed by Commissioner John Evans, who said there is a need to address the hodgepodge development that occurred in the past along U.S. 6 and U.S. 20.

He referred specifically to the large number of fueling stations no longer in operation near the intersection of U.S. 20 and Ind. 520 in Pine Township.

"What would be the best thing there?" he asked.

The proposal calls for a five-member commission composed of three appointments by the commissioners and two from the County Council. There would also be a nonvoting member from one of the school boards that predominately serve the unincorporated areas, he said.