JEFFERSONVILLE (May 21, 2019) – The River Ridge Development Authority approved $2.6 million in investments for infrastructure improvements to pave the way for future development at the 6,000-acre business park.
River Ridge Commerce Center has become one of the largest economic-development magnets for the Louisville-Southern Indiana region, and officials expect continued investments in the business park to attract tens of thousands of additional jobs and millions of additional dollars annually in tax revenue.
To do so, the River Ridge Development Authority estimates the business park must invest more than $315 million over the next two decades to complete infrastructure improvements to prepare parcels for development.
At its meeting monthly Monday night, the development authority approved these project awards to improve infrastructure:
- A $52,200 contract to Strand Associates Inc. for Phase II of the Gateway Gravity Sewer project. The project includes surveying, engineering design, permitting, bidding and construction administration. It will provide a wastewater collection system for the initial phase of River Ridge’s new Class A business park, the Gateway Office Park. The system also will facilitate development of the first new office building there, currently under development by Hollenbach-Oakley.
- A $149,529 contract for Duke Energy to re-route existing power lines along Eighth Street on the North End of River Ridge near Charlestown to accommodate the reconstruction of Eighth Street, which will be the primary entrance into that area of River Ridge. The lines will be permanently located underground.
- A $1.6 million construction contract to Temple and Temple Excavating and Paving Inc. to extend Jacobs Way.
- A $794,416 construction contract to Excel Excavating Inc. for Phase II of the Lewman Way road project.
The two new road sections will connect to the park’s existing internal transportation network and provide multiple access options for new buildings currently under construction.
Jerry Acy, executive director of the River Ridge Development Authority, said the continued investments in new roads, sewer, water service and other utilities will facilitate continued growth at the park.
“River Ridge is home to more than 50 businesses and nearly 10,000 jobs, and we are continuing to invest in the infrastructure needed to bring the next 10,000 jobs to Southern Indiana,” Acy said. “Our facilities and location provide lots of opportunity for growth, if we do the things we must do to support job-creating businesses that help our communities grow.”
A 2018 economic impact study found businesses at River Ridge generated more than $39 million in local and state revenue in 2018.
About the River Ridge Development Authority
The River Ridge Development Authority was originally established to replace the lost economic revenue previously generated by the now shuttered Indiana Army Ammunition Plant. Our goal has expanded to meet the tailored needs and create the top destination for advanced manufacturing, distribution and industrial companies from across the nation and around the world.