Water & sewer service expected to spur development in Bakers Corner area
Hamilton County and the State of Indiana broke ground Wednesday on the Baker’s Corner/U.S. 31 Infrastructure Investment Project. The $45 million project will extend sewer and water utilities to the Baker’s Corner area, just north of Westfield on U.S. 31.
“This is the beginning of a transformational project to the northern part of Hamilton County,” County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt said. “We envision this bringing high quality development that capitalizes the U.S. 31 Corridor and brings in high earning jobs. We’re talking commercial, residential, and potential mixed-use development.”
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation has already designated 80 acres of land in the area for agricultural businesses. The project’s district boundaries for water and sewer will stretch from 216th Street north to 296th Street and from U.S. 31 west to Spring Mill Road. In total, the area will encompass 42 square miles. For comparison, Carmel is 49 square miles, Noblesville is 36 square miles, and Westfield is 32 square miles.
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,” says 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.
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