River Ridge Development Authority and Indiana American Water Partner to strengthen Emergency Water Infrastructure
October 20, 2025
Jeffersonville, IN — The River Ridge Development Authority (RRDA) is working on an agreement with Indiana American Water Company (IAW) to construct an emergency water connection linking the water system serving Charlestown with the River Ridge Commerce Center’s water system.
The new interconnection will be designed to enhance reliability and ensure continuity of service in the event of an emergency. While the River Ridge Water System currently maintains two emergency connections with Watson Water on the Jeffersonville side, system modeling has shown that these connections would not be sufficient to supply the northern portion of the Commerce Center due to elevation and pressure limitations.
Under the agreement, RRDA and IAW will share the cost of constructing the connection vault, with each party maintaining responsibility for the piping leading to the vault on their respective sides. The connection will be located near IAW’s water treatment plant to minimize costs and streamline construction.
“This connection is about preparedness. This partnership strengthens both systems and provides a critical safeguard for the businesses and communities we serve,” said Marc Hildenbrand, Executive Director of the River Ridge Development Authority. “It’s a smart, collaborative investment in regional resilience.”
Although the connection will be reserved for emergency use only, both parties have agreed that if activated, the receiving party will reimburse the supplying party for any water provided.
“Though emergencies are unlikely, this infrastructure helps ensure both Indiana American Water, serving Charlestown, and River Ridge can support each other when it matters most," said Brittany Montgomery, Operations Manager, Indiana American Water. "This project exemplifies our shared commitment to providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water under all conditions."
The project reflects a proactive approach to infrastructure planning and will provide long-term benefits to both the River Ridge Commerce Center and the surrounding communities.
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 to replace lost economic activity from the closure of the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant. 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 output for the region.
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