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Money sought to operate startup company site in Anderson

ANDERSON, Ind. (AP) – Officials heading up a new Purdue University technology education center in Anderson say local government money is needed to operate the section of the facility designated for startup companies.

Anderson Innovation Center President Pete Bitar says no money has been designated for operating the 50,000-square-foot section of the planned Purdue Polytechnic Institute.

He says more than $500,000 is needed to pay for marketing, management and maintenance during 2016. The Herald Bulletin reports plans are to raise about half that money through space leases and membership in 2017, with the innovation center becoming self-sufficient by 2018.

Purdue has committed to leasing 44,000 square feet for 15 years.

Bitar said obtaining the $15 million to construct the facility has dominated the effort during the past year.