FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): Tuesday afternoon, Mayor Tom Henry threw his support behind a proposal that would help fund transportation needs for kids in the Fort Wayne Community School District. 

A portion of Senate Bill 478, which is under consideration in the Indiana General Assembly, would allow a redevelopment commission to provide some revenue to school corporation's to be put towards their transportation needs. The funds would be coming from property tax proceeds allocated to the redevelopment commission in a tax increment financing (TIF) allocation area. However, the amount

provided to the school corporations may not exceed the amount of property tax revenue received by the redevelopment commission that is available to the school corporation's transportation fund tax rate.

“Children in our City deserve to have safe and reliable transportation to and from school,” said Mayor Henry. “We must be willing to invest in our future to provide opportunities for children to grow and succeed through education.”

Senate Bill 478 has been passed by the Indiana Senate and has been sent to the Indiana House of Representatives for consideration. If the bill receives final approval, FWCS would be required to petition the City of Fort Wayne to request the additional TIF funding. Mayor Henry emphasized that if the legislation passes, he will call on the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission and Fort Wayne City Council to make the necessary approvals at the local governmental level.