A $500,000 grant has been made to the non-profit Harbor Impact Foundation in Benton Harbor by the American Electric Power Foundation as Harbor Impact seeks to develop an indoor sports complex for the community. Chair Rodney Alexander tells us the goal is to raise around $5 million for phase one of the project, and now it’s gotten a big boost.
“We’re very grateful for AEP, like beyond grateful,” Alexander said. “Basically our work in the community, what we’re trying to do, they are behind us. We’re beyond grateful. This actually helps significantly. It starts now as far as programming, it starts now. They definitely started the ball rolling.”
The plan is to develop space for local athletes to compete without having to travel.
“Phase 1 is between four and six basketball courts, which are also volleyball courts as well. We’re going to build a big sports facility here so we can actually do things here and bring people to our greater community.”
Later phases would bring an indoor football and soccer field with a track around it. They also plan to have space for high speed internet use and STEM classes. AEP Chief Nuclear Officer Shane Lies says the foundation is thrilled to support the project as sports “is a great way to bring kids, families, and communities together.” A location for the planned sports complex has been identified, but Alexander can’t yet say where it is. To support the project, go to HarborImpactFoundation.org.
