River Ridge Development Authority Doubles Down on Prioritizing Higher Wages with Future Projects

Jeffersonville, IN (September 16, 2024) – At its September monthly meeting, the River Ridge Development Authority (RRDA) Board of Directors took a significant step in enhancing local economic growth.  By unanimous vote, the Board approved a resolution prohibiting the future sale of a large portion of remaining land within the Commerce Center to companies whose projected average wage is not greater than the current Clark County average wage.

The resolution requires that new positions created within the specified area offer an aggregated average hourly wage above the county’s current rate, which for 2024 is $24.44 per hour, according to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.  Future wage rates will be adjusted on a yearly basis, and the map below highlights the portion of land that will fall under this new prohibition.

“With today’s action, the Board of Directors is reinforcing River Ridge’s commitment to our region by ensuring that companies locating within the Commerce Center are creating quality jobs.  It has always been our mission to provide residents throughout our community with the types of employment opportunities with which they can support themselves and their families, and be proud of RRDA,” said Jerry Acy, Executive Director of RRDA.  “The mission of the River Ridge Development Authority is to replace the lost economic impact from the closure of the former Indiana Army Ammunition Plant, and today’s resolution further emphasizes that mission.”

River Ridge’s action is applauded by other local leaders.  Tony Waterson, President & CEO of Southern Indiana Works, the local workforce development board, said in response to the decision, “The River Ridge Development Authority Board of Directors today took a huge step in advancing quality job and career opportunities for labor throughout our region. The River Ridge Commerce Center is one of the key drivers of our local and regional economy and their commitment to putting the needs of our region’s workforce first is commendable.” 

The RRDA anticipates that these measures will contribute to a more balanced and equitable development process, aligning growth with the broader goals of community enhancement and economic health.

Additional resolutions approved by the RRDA Board at today’s meeting include:

• Negotiation of Sale for Tract 31C
• Sewer Improvements Geotechnical Exploration Contract for Tract 19C
• 2024 Pavement Repairs Construction Contract
• RRCC Water System Resiliency Project – Division A Construction Contract
• Water Main Relocation Construction Contract – Tract 16D

Board Meeting Materials Now Available Online

Additionally, as part of its commitment to transparency and accessibility, the RRDA announced that materials from its board meetings are now accessible on its website at

www.RiverRidgeCC.com.

About River Ridge Development Authority

The River Ridge Development Authority, spanning over 6,000 prime acres, has become a source of major economic development for the Louisville-Southern Indiana region. Established to mitigate the economic impact of the shuttered Indiana Army Ammunition Plant, the River Ridge Development Authority has evolved its mission to meet the tailored needs of the community.  Our goal extends beyond mere replacement of lost revenue to creating a premier destination for advanced manufacturing, distribution, and industrial companies from across the nation and around the globe.

Serving as home to more than 80 companies, RRDA contributed an estimated $2.93 billion to the region’s economic output in 2023, supporting over 18,000 jobs. In addition, RRDA funded approximately $20 million in capital projects in 2023. These initiatives include vital infrastructure improvements, including $5.9 million in roadway projects, $6.2 million in utility enhancements, and $3.5 million allocated to demolition and site preparation.