Advocacy Update 1.21.2026

We are continuing to learn and monitor policies that may impact our local region. The goal of our Advocacy Agenda is to articulate the opportunities and concerns of Southern Indiana businesses and to speak for them as one voice. 

Our Advocacy Committee continues to meet and discuss relevant bills to our local businesses and constituents. Together, they look forward to going to the statehouse next week where they will speak with elected officials on behalf of the bills and priorities they are monitoring. In the meantime, our Advocacy Committee looks forward to learning more about other bills and local priorities to track in our upcoming advocacy updates. 

We encourage everyone to see upcoming deadlines

  • Monday January 26 – Latest Day session must reconvene (IC 2-2.1-1-3) 
  • Thursday January 29 – Last day for 3rd reading of Senate bills in Senate 
  • Thursday January 29 – Last Day for 3rd reading of House bills in the House. 

 

Bills we are monitoring: 

SB 283 Regional Development Tax Credit 

Status: 

  • 1/12/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy 
  • 1/12/2026: Authored by Senators Mishler, Niezgodski 

HB 1101 Regional Economic Development 

Status: 

  • 1/05/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Ways and Means 
  • 1/05/2026: Coauthored by Representatives Snow, Lehman 
  • 1/05/202: Authored by Representative Heine 

HB 1164 Tax Increment Financing Districts 

Status: 

  • 1/05/2026: First Reading: referred to Committee on Ways and Means 
  • 1/05/2026: Authored by Representative Rowray 

 

Bills we oppose: 

HB 1104 Nondisclosure Agreements in Economic Development 

Status: 

  • 1/12/2026: Representative Commons added as coauthor 
  • 1/05/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Government and Regulatory Reform 
  • 1/05/2026: Authored by Representative Greene 

 

You can find a copy of the 1si 2026 Advocacy Agenda by visiting https://1si.org/advocacy/ or downloading a PDF copy here. 

Strengthening Our Collective Voice: IEDA Announces 2026 Leadership

New Albany, IN – January 20, 2026 – At the Indiana Economic Development Association (IEDA) Annual Meeting this December, a community of practitioners came together not just to reflect on a year of progress, but to empower the leaders who will guide a shared mission forward.

They are proud to announce the election of their new Board Members and Officers for the upcoming year. These individuals represent the heart of Indiana’s economic development profession—bringing diverse expertise from urban centers to rural towns, all united by a single goal: creating opportunity for every Hoosier.

“The Indiana Economic Development Association has been a critical resource and catalyst for collaborative growth in the State of Indiana since 1968, and it is a distinct honor to serve my peers and state as Board Chair,” said the newly elected Board Chair, John Launius. “The IEDA, alongside a membership rich with expertise and experience, will continue to advocate, educate, and ensure statewide connectivity of economic development professionals and partners. I am humbled and excited to serve my peers, partners, and the State of Indiana in such a meaningful way.”

Leading the Way Together
The following leaders were elected by the membership to serve as advocates, mentors, and voices for 2026:

New Officers:
Chair: John Launius, One Southern Indiana
Vice Chair: Bethany Hartley, South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership
Secretary: Tenille Zartman, Grow Wabash County
Treasurer: Bryan Brackemyre, Indiana Municipal Power Agency

New Board Members:
Rachel Huser, Wabash Valley Power Alliance
Corey Murphy, New Castle Henry County Econ. Dev. Corp.
Chris Pfaff, Knox County Indiana Economic Development

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A Note from the IEDA
Economic development is more than just transactions; it’s about the people behind the progress. As Indiana’s only statewide association dedicated to this profession, IEDA serves as a “professional home” where practitioners find the credibility, belonging, and tools they need to thrive.

When our members are supported, their communities are stronger. We welcome these new leaders to the helm as we continue to share knowledge, influence policy, and invest in the leadership development that ensures long-term prosperity in every corner of our state.

About IEDA
Since 1968, the Indiana Economic Development Association (IEDA) has been the united voice for the people building Indiana’s future. Representing over 400 members across local organizations, agencies, and corporations, we are a member-driven network focused on connection and growth. We provide the training and advocacy that empower professionals to turn vision into reality.

For more information on how we’re building opportunity together, visit www.ieda.org.
Media Contact: Jill Ewing, (317) 454-7013

About One Southern Indiana 
One Southern Indiana (1si) was formed in July of 2006 as the economic development organization and chamber of commerce serving Clark and Floyd counties. 1si’s mission is to help businesses innovate and thrive in the Southern Indiana / Louisville metro area via the three pillars of Business Resources, Economic Development, and Advocacy. For more information on One Southern Indiana, visit www.1si.org.
Media Contact: Ellinor Smith, (812) 206-9029

1si Non-Profit Spotlight: Guerin Woods & Providence House

Guerin Woods & Providence House provides income-based senior living for independent individuals and a unique residential family reunification program for families involved with the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS). Their founders had a vision of a multi-generational campus that would uplift one another as individuals move along in their journey of life. Watch the video below to learn more about their mission and how you can support them.

IU Southeast students to volunteer for MLK Day of Service

While campus will be closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Indiana University Southeast students will volunteer around the community for the annual MLK Day of Service.

WHAT: IU Southeast students, alumni, and community partners volunteering at locations in southern Indiana. Students will sign up through Grenadier Central. 

WHO: Representatives from IU Southeast Office of Student Life.

WHEN: Monday, Jan. 19. Students will meet on campus and load buses around 8:30 a.m. They will volunteer at the sites from approximately 9:00 a.m. and return to campus at 11:45 a.m. unless noted.

WHERE:

  • Our Place Drug & Alcohol Education Services
    • 400 E Spring St, New Albany, IN 47150 and 106 S. Capitol Avenue
      Corydon, IN 47112
    • Cleaning, organizing, painting
    • Site contact: MeriBeth Adams-Wolf, Executive Director (New Albany) and Donnie Willis, Director of Clinical Services and Harrison County Program Coordinator  
    • IUS liaison: Megan Kaelin Hicks, 502-599-6639

       
  • Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana
    • 550 S. First Street, Louisville, KY 40202
    • Organizing, cleaning, and food-related tasks
    • Site contact: Dani Harper, Volunteer Coordinator
    • IUS liaison: Amanda Stonecipher, 812-941-2427

       
  • Culbertson Baptist Church and Homeless Coalition of Southern Indiana
    • 4007 Grant Line Rd, New Albany, IN 47150
    • Cleaning and laundry for the White Flag Shelter
    • Site contact:  Leslea Townsend Cronin
    • IUS Liaison: Abbie Dupay, 616-724-0275

For more information, contact Abbie Dupay at 812-941-2051 or aedupay@iu.edu.   

Advocacy Update 1.14.2026

6We are continuing to learn and monitor policies that may impact our local region. This week, Lance Allison (President & CEO of 1si) and Melissa Sprigler (Director of Investor Relations), headed up to the state house to distribute the 1si Advocacy Agenda. The goal of our Advocacy Agenda is to articulate the opportunities and concerns of Southern Indiana businesses and to speak for them as one voice. 

Our Advocacy Committee continues to meet and discuss relevant bills to our local businesses and constituents. This year, 753 bills were committed for review, and we have identified early-stage bills that we will continue to monitor for updates. In the meantime, our Advocacy Committee looks forward to learning more about other bills and local priorities to track in our upcoming advocacy updates. 

We encourage everyone to see upcoming deadlines

  • Friday January 16 – Last day Senate bills may be assigned to Senate committees. 
  • Monday January 26 – Latest day session must be reconvened ( IC 2-2. 1-1-3) 
  • Thursday January 29 – Last day for 3rd reading of Senate bills in Senate 
  • Thursday January 29 – Last Day for 3rd reading of House bills in the House. 

 

Bills we are monitoring: 

HB 1101 Regional Economic Development 

Status: 

  • 1/05/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Ways and Means 
  • 1/05/2026: Coauthored by Representatives Snow, Lehman 
  • 1/05/202: Authored by Representative Heine 

 

HB 1164 Tax Increment Financing Districts 

Status: 

  • 1/05/2026: First Reading: referred to Committee on Ways and Means 
  • 1/05/2026: Authored by Representative Rowray 

 

Bills we oppose: 

HB 1104 Nondisclosure Agreements in Economic Development 

Status:

  • 1/12/2026: Representative Commons added as coauthor 
  • 1/05/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Government and Regulatory Reform 
  • 1/05/2026: Authored by Representative Greene 

 

You can find a copy of the 1si 2026 Advocacy Agenda by visiting https://1si.org/advocacy/ or downloading a PDF copy here. 

IU Southeast Earns Prestigious 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification 

New Albany, Ind. — Indiana University Southeast has earned the prestigious 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, placing the campus among a select group of colleges and universities nationwide recognized for deep, sustained partnerships that advance teaching, learning, and public impact. The designation—awarded by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching—highlights IU Southeast’s long-standing commitment to community engagement. 

“Higher education is a vital economic engine for us all. Our colleges and universities not only fuel science and innovation, they build prosperity in rural, urban, and suburban communities nationwide,” said Timothy F.C. Knowles, president of the Carnegie Foundation. “We celebrate each of these institutions, particularly their dedication to partnering with their neighbors—fostering civic engagement, building usable knowledge, and catalyzing real-world learning experiences for students.” 

IU Southeast is one of 48 institutions receiving the classification for the first time and one of only three in the Kentuckiana region. It is also one of eight institutions in Indiana to earn the designation and the only regional Indiana University campus to do so. 

“IU Southeast is proud of its deep and sustained commitment to our community,” said Chancellor Debbie Ford. “Through community-engaged teaching and learning across our academic programs, our faculty create meaningful opportunities for students to collaborate with local partners, apply their knowledge in real-world settings, and make a lasting impact throughout the region.” 

During the 2023–2024 academic year, IU Southeast students logged more than 2,600 service hours across 631 community engagement activities. These efforts included blood drives, mission projects, fundraising initiatives, participation in Big Brothers Big Sisters, drives benefiting the SouthEats Food Pantry, and the Alzheimer’s Walk. Students, faculty, and staff also participate annually in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. In January 2025, 103 students served at three community sites. 

The Office of Student Life supports student engagement by providing funding for transportation to community activities and excursions, ensuring student organizations have access to resources that strengthen their service and partnership efforts. 

“The designation honors the transformational work IU Southeast students, staff, and faculty do in collaboration with our community partners,” said Dr. Melissa Fry, director of the Applied Research and Education Center (AREC) and professor of sociology and sustainability and regeneration studies. “Through community-engaged learning, research, and service, our students gain experiences that deepen their connection to the region and prepare them to contribute to and lead thriving communities.” 

Academic Affairs and campus departments further support community engagement through funding for class excursions, research, teaching, professional development, and innovation. These resources enable community-engaged research and service-learning initiatives. Both the New Neighbors Education Center (NNEC) and AREC also participate in ongoing dialogue with the communities they serve to ensure programming remains responsive and impactful. 

“This Carnegie designation affirms IU Southeast’s role as a regional anchor institution,” said Vice Chancellor for University Relations Joe Glover. “Our partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, and civic leaders strengthen workforce development, fuel innovation, and help create the conditions for long-term economic growth across Southern Indiana and the greater Louisville region. When our community thrives, our students thrive—and this recognition reflects that shared success.” 

In the 2026 cycle, 237 institutions earned the Community Engagement Classification, joining those previously classified to bring the total number of institutions holding the designation nationwide to 277. The 2026 cohort includes 157 public institutions, 80 private colleges and universities, and 81 Minority Serving Institutions. 

About IU Southeast: IU Southeast is one of nine campuses of Indiana University. Offering top-quality and nationally accredited programs in education, nursing, business, social sciences, natural sciences, arts and humanities, the scenic 180-acre campus is located less than 15 minutes from downtown Louisville, Kentucky. It currently has over 3,750 students and employs over 360 faculty members. About 400 students live on campus in five fully furnished, lodge-style residence halls. Through an agreement with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Indiana University Southeast offers in-state tuition to students enrolled from ten counties in the Louisville region, including Bullitt, Hardin, Henry, Jefferson, Meade, Nelson, Oldham, Shelby, Trimble, and Spencer counties and discounted tuition for remaining Kentucky residents through the Indiana Partner Program. For more information, visit https://southeast.iu.edu. IU Southeast is a tobacco-free campus.

About the Carnegie Classifications

The Carnegie Classifications are the nation’s leading framework for categorizing and describing colleges and universities in the United States. Utilized frequently by policymakers, funders, and researchers, the Classifications are a critical benchmarking tool for postsecondary institutions. ACE and the Carnegie Foundation announced a partnership in February 2022 to reimagine the Classifications to better reflect the diversity of postsecondary institutions and more completely characterize the impact that today’s institutions have in society.

About ACE

ACE is a membership organization that leads higher education with a united vision for the future, galvanizing our members to make change and collaborating across the sector to design solutions for today’s challenges, serve the needs of a diverse student population, and shape effective public policy. As the major coordinating body for the nation’s colleges and universities, our strength lies in our diverse membership of nearly 1,600 colleges and universities, related associations, and other organizations in America and abroad. ACE is the only major higher education association to represent all types of U.S. accredited, degree-granting colleges and universities. For more information, please visit www.acenet.edu or follow ACE on X @ACEducation and LinkedIn.

About the Carnegie Foundation

The mission of the Carnegie Foundation is to catalyze transformational change in education so that every student has the opportunity to live a healthy, dignified, and fulfilling life. Enacted by an act of Congress in 1906, the Foundation has a rich history of driving transformational change in the education sector, including the establishment of TIAA-CREF and the creation of the Education Testing Service, the GRE, Pell Grants, and the Carnegie Classifications for Higher Education. Today, the Foundation is dedicated to the transformation of the American high school and making the postsecondary sector a more vital engine for economic mobility.

Spherion Jeffersonville’s Spencer Geer Helps Lead General Staffing Office of the Year Win

Local Staffing and Recruiting Business Nationally Recognized for Record Growth and Workforce Impact

JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind.Spherion Staffing and Recruiting (Spherion) in Jeffersonville announced that it has been named the franchise company’s General Staffing Office of the Year. Spencer Geer, branch manager, played a key role in the office’s record-setting growth and continued impact in connecting local employers with top talent.

“During our second full year in Jeffersonville, we focused on the fundamentals really well,” said Geer. “We showed up for our clients, responded quickly, and made sure we were placing the right people in the right roles. The growth followed because of the trust we’ve built with local businesses and candidates. This recognition validates the work our team is doing every day in the Jeffersonville market.

Spherion has served the Jeffersonville community since opening its office in 2022. Geer joined the team in 2023 as a recruiter and account manager and was promoted to branch manager in 2025, where he oversees day-to-day operations. His progression with Spherion reflects both his individual leadership development and the team’s commitment to developing talent from within. Geer enjoys supporting the Jeffersonville community and local employers with trusted staffing and recruiting solutions.

Spherion’s General Staffing Office of the Year award recognizes the location with the highest year-over-year revenue growth nationwide. The Jeffersonville office delivered 511% year-over-year revenue growth, achieved 197% growth in direct hire, and added six new client accounts, while maintaining a 4.9-star Google rating and a strong safety record. These impressive results distinguished the Jeffersonville team among Spherion’s general staffing offices across the country and demonstrate the persistence and dedication of Geer’s local team.

“Watching this team grow since our opening has been incredibly rewarding,” said Brock Wicker, franchise owner of Spherion Jeffersonville. “Spencer leads with care, consistency, and a strong sense of responsibility to both our internal team and clients and candidates. What matters most to me is the culture this team has built, the way they support one another, and the community they serve.”

Each Spherion office enriches its community by connecting and facilitating employment opportunities every day—and when successful, the office and its investments flow back into the neighborhoods it serves. The power of Spherion is in its local roots.

To learn more about Spherion Jeffersonville, visit www.spherion.com/jeffersonville.

About Spherion

Transform your workforce with Spherion Staffing & Recruiting, where local expertise meets national connections. For 80 years, we’ve been strategically helping businesses and job seekers thrive across America. Backed by the world’s most equitable and specialized talent company, our network of independent franchisees brings personalized service to 200+ communities, connecting more than 4,000 businesses with exceptional candidates through temporary, temp-to-hire, direct hire, and on-site hiring solutions. Our commitment to being a premier staffing partner shows through results: Our 4.9/5 national Google review rating and recognition as a Top 10 Staffing Company to Work for by World Staffing Awards, plus inclusion on Franchise Business Review’s Top 200 Franchises and Entrepreneur magazine’s 2026 Franchise 500 list. Partner with Spherion to strengthen your business or transform your career.

CONTACT: Peyton Harvey
All Points Public Relations
pharvey@allpointspr.com

River Ridge Commerce Center Reaches Major Milestone: 20 Million Square Feet of Buildings Developed

Jeffersonville, IN (December 18, 2025)– The River Ridge Development Authority (RRDA) today announced a significant milestone in the continued growth and transformation with the River Ridge Commerce Center surpassing 20 million square feet of developed building space.

 

The achievement underscores River Ridge’s rapid evolution into one of the premier business and industrial parks in the Midwest—an economic engine supporting thousands of jobs and driving billions in regional investment. Over the past two decades, River Ridge has welcomed a diverse mix of global manufacturers, logistics leaders, and technology firms, all contributing to this latest milestone.

 

“This is more than a square-footage benchmark—it’s a testament to the vision, collaboration, and strategic investment that have shaped River Ridge into a world-class business destination,” said Marc Hildenbrand, Executive Director of the River Ridge Development Authority. “Surpassing 20 million square feet highlights both the strength of our market and the confidence that major employers place in the Commerce Center. We’re proud of this progress and excited for what comes next.”
River Ridge’s investment in modern infrastructure, roadway expansion, utility enhancements, and workforce-ready development sites has positioned the Commerce Center as a hub for companies seeking long-term growth.

 

“Every new facility represents jobs, investment, and opportunity for Southern Indiana residents,” Hildenbrand added. “Reaching 20 million square feet is a remarkable milestone.”
For more information about development opportunities at River Ridge Commerce Center, visit the RRDA website https://www.riverridgecc.com/ or contact the development office.

 

About the River Ridge Development Authority

The River Ridge Development Authority (RRDA) manages the River Ridge Commerce Center, a 6,000-acre business and office park established in 1998. The RRDA’s mission is to generate a positive regional economic impact by managing and sustaining the River Ridge Commerce Center as America’s premier development location. Today, River Ridge is home to more than 80 companies such as Amazon, Meta, Canadian Solar, Collins Aerospace, Medline, and PharmaCord. Onsite employment totaled more than 12,675 in 2024, and the Commerce Center produced a record-breaking economic impact for the region.

 

Media Contacts:
Wendy Dant Chesser, Chief Director – Corporate Strategy & External Affairs
(812) 285-8979

IU Southeast Business Students Earn Top Honors in RNMKRS Sales Competitions

New Albany, Ind — IU Southeast School of Business students earned top honors in the recent RNMKRS sales competitions. Students in the Personal Persuasion Strategy and Customer Relations Management class participated in the competitions, with most placing in the top 30% in at least one or more of the individual events.

IU Southeast finished first in Role Play and Speed Sell. This is the second time that IU Southeast has finished first in Role Play, and the fifth time in six years in the top two. It is also the second time IU Southeast finished first in Speed Sell. The IU Southeast team has finished in the Top 3 in Speed Sell in each term it has competed. Six out of ten of the top individual scorers in the Pilot Cold Call competition were from IU Southeast.

Carter Crews earned class champion honors and finished in the Top 1% overall in both Speed Sell and Role Play. Crews also finished 6th overall and 4th in the class in the Cold Call competition.

Cassie Walls was the overall champion in Cold Call, only the second IU Southeast student to win a RNMKRS competition. (Carolyn Kannapel was the champion in Role Play for the Fall 2024 competition.) Walls also finished Top 8% in Speed Sell and Top 28% in Role Play.

Other standout finishers included:

  • Sam Boston – Top 1% in Role Play, Top 2% in Speed Sell, and 10th overall in Cold Call
  • Lillie Weber – Top 2% in Role Play, Top 5% in Speed Sell, 2nd overall in Cold Call
  • Kiki Brown – Top 1% in Role Play, Top 2% in Speed Sell, Top 14% in Cold Call

Approximately 40 schools participated in Role Play and Speed Sell, with over 2,000 students participating in the Role Play. Cold Call was a pilot competition in which about 17 schools and 350 students participated. Other schools participating in the various competitions included IU Bloomington, Indiana State University, Boston College, Auburn University, Northern Kentucky University, Northern Illinois University, Bryant University, Purdue University Northwest, West Virginia University, Rollins College, Bowling Green State University, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and the University of Illinois at Chicago, among others.

For the Role Play competition, students represented Dell Technologies, selling rugged notebook computers to a Texas police department’s IT Manager. The goal is to earn a second appointment to demonstrate the computers and complete the sale.

In Speed Sell, students found themselves on an elevator, pitching themselves for a job interview. They have about 90 seconds to make their case and convince the manager to stay on the elevator to listen to their entire pitch.

In Cold Call, students represented a staffing company Insight Global and made a cold call, to gain a meeting to learn more about the company, and how Insight Global might be a solutions provider for them.

Dr. Chris Cox, professor of the Personal Persuasion Strategy and Customer Relations Management course, says the event is a valuable experience for his students. The ultimate goal is not to win the competitions, Cox says, but to use RNMKRS as a tool to develop sales skills that can be applied in real-world selling scenarios.

“One of the great things about these competitions is that they allow students to develop their skills anytime, anywhere, and all by themselves, without a coach or instructor standing over their shoulder. We want them to develop ‘muscle memory’ for the sales process, so they do not have to think about it; so it comes more naturally. It helps them get down the road in their development of selling skills further and faster.”

Cox says students can role-play on the web or through apps on their phones, getting instant feedback from AI.

“Students can do dozens, even hundreds, of role plays. This kind of repetition is not possible in class, with live human role-plays. The AI characters can be challenging, both because the process itself is difficult to master and because the AI is still developing; it can be frustrating. But these students powered through, and showed a level of commitment, persistence, and problem-solving skills that not only help them overcome technical challenges, but more importantly, help them develop an understanding of the sales process that they can apply in their careers, whether in professional sales or non-sales selling scenarios.”

Students in the course are currently preparing for their final face-to-face role-play in the class. Cox says he is looking forward to seeing them apply what they’ve learned.

 

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About IU Southeast: IU Southeast is one of nine campuses of Indiana University. Offering top-quality and nationally accredited programs in education, nursing, business, social sciences, natural sciences, arts and humanities, the scenic 180-acre campus is located less than 15 minutes from downtown Louisville, Kentucky. It currently has over 3,750 students and employs over 360 faculty members. About 400 students live on campus in five fully furnished, lodge-style residence halls. Through an agreement with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Indiana University Southeast offers in-state tuition to students enrolled from ten counties in the Louisville region, including Bullitt, Hardin, Henry, Jefferson, Meade, Nelson, Oldham, Shelby, Trimble, and Spencer counties and discounted tuition for remaining Kentucky residents through the Indiana Partner Program. For more information, visit https://southeast.iu.edu. IU Southeast is a tobacco-free campus.

Contact: Nancy Jo Trafton

812-941-2676

ntrafton@ius.edu

Indiana American Water Invests $5.7 Million to Keep Life Flowing in Southern Indiana

New Binford Booster Station in New Albany Delivers Stronger Water Pressure, Greater Reliability, and Room for Growth

New Albany, Ind. – December 11, 2025Indiana American Water is completing a $5.7 million investment in its Southern Indiana water system with the construction of the new Binford Booster Station in New Albany, Ind. The state-of-the-art facility will improve water pressure, enhance reliability, and provide capacity to support future development for customers in Floyd and Clark counties.

 

Families and businesses from Floyd Knobs to Georgetown rely on steady water pressure every time they turn on the tap. However, aging pumps and rolling terrain made it increasingly difficult to maintain a consistent flow, especially during peak demand. In addition to serving local customers, Indiana American Water also sells water to neighboring utilities, including Ramsey Water Company, Borden Tri-County Regional Water District, and Floyds Knobs Water Company, all of which benefit from the new Binford Booster Station.

 

When it enters service before year-end, the Binford Booster Station will deliver nearly 2,400 gallons per minute of pumping capacity. It features energy-efficient, variable-speed drives that automatically adjust to real-time demand—critical during peak usage periods. Built-in redundancy ensures maintenance can be performed without disrupting service.

 

This project is part of $9 million in 2025 system upgrades, which also include replacing 16 water mains across multiple counties and targeted improvements to regional wellfields.

 

“Reliable water service is critical for public safety and economic growth. This investment not only strengthens our system today but also gives our communities the confidence to keep building for the future. By upgrading aging infrastructure and adding capacity, we’re helping to ensure that families, businesses, and first responders have the water they need—when they need it,” said Brittany Montgomery, Southern District Manager, Indiana American Water.

 

The new Binford Booster Station will deliver a range of improvements for customers and communities. Local first responders benefit from better fire-flow capability when water is needed most, while added capacity supports new housing and commercial development. Built-in redundancy minimizes service disruptions, and a broad pumping range paired with improved efficiency helps meet customer demands more effectively.

 

Indiana American Water extends its gratitude to the City of New Albany for their support with permitting, as well as to the many contractors, engineers, and design firms that made this project possible—including HTNB Corporation, EFI-Solutions, Dan Cristiani Construction, and American Structurepoint.

 

In its Southern Indiana Operations, Indiana American Water invests tens of millions of dollars annually across Southern Indiana in communities including New Albany, Jeffersonville, Clarksville, Georgetown, Charlestown, portions of Sellersburg and Borden, and unincorporated Floyd and Clark counties. These investments include replacing aging mains, upgrading treatment technology, and protecting local water sources. From source to tap, our team is on call 24/7 so customers can focus on what matters most.

About American Water American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable, and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors, and other stakeholders. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

 

About Indiana American Water

Indiana American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable, and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.5 million people. For more information, visit amwater.com/inaw and join Indiana American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

 

Editor’s Note: Image is of inside the new Binford Booster Station, a modular building that will be connected to existing water mains.

 

Media Contact:

Joel Reuter

External Affairs Manager

Indiana American Water

P: (317) 885-2434

E: joel.reuter@amwater.com