Editor’s note: This is the last in a series of three articles the Daily news will run exploring how each possible Honda location feels it stands with regard to landing the auto manufacturer.

It’s no secret, the county chosen to be the new home of Honda will gain the economic equivalent of the largest Powerball jackpot ever. Whether in Ohio or in Decatur County, the economic windfall, the worthy area will experience, will be immense.

What’s interesting are the reasons why the global Japanese automaker turned its far-reaching glance toward Decatur County.

“In my opinion, we offer three major things - location, transportation and workforce,” Vicki Kellerman, director of the local Economic Development Corporation said.

Kellerman also cited the unique quality of life county residents enjoy as an attractive feature.

As far as Honda goes, however, Greensburg Mayor Frank Manus feels there is nothing they may want, the city and county cannot give them.

“Our location is outstanding,” Manus said. “We have everything to offer that Honda is looking for.”

A Realtor would probably say the most important part of any search for a place to reside is three words - location, location, location. Since Honda began its search months ago as a secret company, they have turned up numerous sites around the county. While none have been ruled out, the recent announcement of a special meeting of the Decatur County Board of Zoning Appeals and Area Plan Commission has local officials and other media zeroing in on a specific site.

The plot of land is a 1,656.34-acre area just north of Greensburg along U.S. Highway 421 near the I-74 interchange.

“Indiana is known as the ‘Crossroads of the Nation.’ The site is strategically located on I-74 between Indianapolis and Cincinnati,” Kellerman said. “It is a very reasonable drive to Honda's other facilities.”

This piece of farmland is more than just an empty space north of town. According to David Neuman, Decatur County Area Plan Director, the spot is “perfect.”

“Its good because of the way it lays, where it lays next to the interstate and along the rail lines and is right next to state roads. There’s also plenty of utility lines out there,” Neuman said. “That’s exactly what you look for when you’re looking at an area for development. That site is really the best site. Although I haven’t seen the Ohio sites, I can’t imagine them being any better.”

Access to major roadways is one of the keys being tossed around by Honda representatives. The site itself is nestled next to I-74, which gives it both high visibility and easy accessibility to major metropolises to the north and south. Most major roadways in the Midwest can also be accessed from one of those metropolitan areas. Also, just down the road is the State Road 3/46 Bypass, which offers access to Richmond; Columbus and I-65 to Louisville. The rail lines are also key to operations with Neuman estimating about 80 percent of the cars being carried out by the rail system that runs through the county.

Officials not only feel the area is right for Honda’s needs, it is practically shovel ready.