Water & sewer service expected to spur development in Bakers Corner area
Hamilton County Commissioners and Councilors will break ground on the Bakers Corner/U.S. 31 Infrastructure Investment Project at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 4. The $45 million project will extend sewer and water utilities to the Bakers Corner area, east and west of U.S. 31 between 236th and 276th streets.
Heirbrandt
“If you don’t know where Baker’s Corner is, you soon will,” County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt said. “This project has the potential to reshape Northern Hamilton County. Bringing water and sewer to this area could spur growth and economic development all the way up U.S. 31 to Kokomo.”
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation has already designated 80 acres of land in the area for agricultural businesses. Hamilton County has fielded calls from a slew of homebuilders, mixed-use developments, and manufacturers interested in expanding in the area.
Marty Wessler, CEO of Indianapolis-based Wessler Engineering, is enthusiastic about the utility expansion.
Wessler
“We are thrilled to be part of this transformational initiative that will not only enhance the quality of life in Bakers Corner but also pave the way for significant economic development,” Wessler said. “This project underscores our commitment to serving the needs of the community.”
The utility expansion will be funded with $25 million from Hamilton County’s share of the American Rescue Plan Act, $10 million in bonds, and $10 million from the State of Indiana.
“The State Revolving Fund is a perfect match for projects like this and helps support communities in furthering economic and residential development,” said Jim McGoff, Indiana Finance Authority chief operations officer who also oversees Indiana’s SRF program.
An additional $20 million from the state will allow Hamilton County to create the Hamilton County Regional Utility District which is working with Indiana American Water to pump water from the Sheridan area. The project is expected to be complete by the end of 2024.
Directions to groundbreaking
- From the South – U.S. 31 to 226th Street go west to Dunbar Road, Dunbar Road north to 236th Street, turn east to construction site entrance, look for directional sign, turn north to the construction site.
- From the East – 236th Street west of U.S. 31 to the construction site entrance, look for the directional sign, go north to the construction site.
- From the West – 236th Street east to the construction entrance, west of U.S. 31, look for the directional sign, turn north to the construction site.
- From the North – 256th Street west to Dunbar Road, turn south to 236th Street turn east, look for the directional sign to the construction entrance, turn north to the construction sits program.
I really doubt that this will “enhance the quality of life in Bakers Corner” or anyone else in the area. The County commissioners want to make the northern part of the county look like the Carmel, Westfield and Fishers areas. More money for the county I suppose, and that is what it is all about.