Jeffersonville, IN (August 16, 2022) – During Monday’s meeting of the River Ridge Development Authority (RRDA), the board of directors received an update on a $3 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). The EDA grant will fund a portion of the new 20-inch transmission water main, doubling water capacity for the River Ridge Commerce Center (RRCC) and supporting business retention, recruitment and expansion efforts.
“We are extremely excited to receive this grant funding to help spur economic development activities at the River Ridge Commerce Center,” said Jerry Acy, RRDA Executive Director. “This project has been a major undertaking for River Ridge and is incredibly important to our future growth. Every business that calls River Ridge home or is considering locating here needs water. Through expanded capacity, River Ridge will continue to make significant progress on bringing even more jobs and economic opportunities to southern Indiana.”
As a result of the EDA grant and $4.2 million in matching local funds for the project, it is expected to support at least 1,000 new jobs and $100 million in private investment.
Also during Monday’s meeting of the River Ridge Development Authority, the board approved a contract to construct a water main on Jim Lewis Avenue to replace an existing line that was constructed when the land was owned by the U.S. Army. The watermain will be relocated and reconstructed to allow for the planned reconstruction of Jim Lewis Avenue and Penny Martin Lane to accommodate up to five new developments that would utilize the improved water service.
Prior to the August board meeting, RRDA approved a finalized agreement with the City of Jeffersonville and the distribution of $12 million in funding to support the expansion of the city’s North Wastewater Treatment Plant (NWWTP). Upon completion, NWWTP’s treatment capacity will increase to approximately six million gallons per day – two million gallons per day of the new capacity will be allocated for businesses within the RRCC.
The NWWTP provides wastewater treatment services to industries and businesses located in the Jeffersonville section of River Ridge as well as about 10,000 acres located outside the RRCC. The expansion will also support developments of other business including industrial, retail and residential initiatives in areas of Jeffersonville in close proximity to the RRCC.