GREENSBURG — Both Greensburg and Decatur County exalted when Honda made its announcement 14 months ago.

While construction projects, roadwork and other obvious signs of progress were easy to spot, the one thing residents had been waiting for was elusive. At least until Thursday.

Just after 9 a.m., a press release circulated — quietly, given the magnitude of the message — that began:

“Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, LLC (HMIN) will begin accepting applications for production positions Sunday. Applications will be accepted for a two-week period through Sept. 9, with the first phase of hiring beginning later this year. HMIN will employ approximately 2,000 associates when the automobile plant in Greensburg reaches full production.”

This announcement sent off a whirlwind of excitement.

“This is a victory for Greensburg,” Mayor Frank Manus said. “I think everyone in the city should be happy, whether they are looking for a new job or if they are retired. There is good news in this for all of Greensburg and Decatur County.”

Commissioner Charlie Buell spent a few minutes with Honda’s Shane McCoy and got the details.

“I’ve been asked, over and over, when Honda would begin hiring. I didn’t know what to tell them then, but I do now,” Buell said. “This is the news we’ve been waiting for, and it’s wonderful. I’m very excited by what I’ve heard. It’s a great day for Decatur County.”

Not only do officials feel it is a great day but this announcement will have far-reaching and long-lasting effects.

“A year from now, the building will be up, and they’ll be producing cars,” said County Council president Ernie Gauck. “With that comes increased tax money. When we get all of these people to work and they start paying taxes that will be the really great day. We’re spending a lot of money to get ready for this and we’re hopeful it all pays off in the end.”

State Rep. Cleo Duncan, R-Greensburg, also was pleased to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

“I’m very excited this opportunity came to Greensburg and very pleased with the progress Honda’s made thus far,” she said. “I look forward to continuing to work with Honda and thank them for the opportunity they’ve bestowed on the city of Greensburg.”

The elation was not contained within county and regional borders. U.S. Rep. Mike Pence, R-6th District, checked in with his congratulations.

“This is the beginning of many, many years of opportunity for the people of Greensburg, Decatur County and for the surrounding counties from where people can reside and submit applications,” Pence said. “This is also a great victory for the state, Mayor Frank Manus, and the bipartisan leadership of Greensburg and Decatur County who came together to bring us this day of opportunity.”