Hamilton County marks one year since groundbreaking on new utility district

Water & sewer service to be operational by early 2025

It’s been a year since Hamilton County broke ground on the Baker’s Corner/U.S. 31 Infrastructure Investment Project. The $45 million project aims to extend sewer and water utilities to the Baker’s Corner area, located just north of Westfield on U.S. 31.

Heirbrandt

“We are thrilled to see the progress on this transformative project,” said Mark Heirbrandt, President of the Hamilton County Commissioners. “Our main objective is to give residents the option to connect to our utilities, especially given the health concerns surrounding high E. coli levels and failed septic systems in the area. This project not only addresses those concerns but also encourages high-quality development that can provide high-earning jobs and essential services to our growing community.”

The new utility district will cover a significant area, with boundaries stretching from approximately three miles east of U.S. 31 to approximately two miles west of U.S. 31 and 216th Street north to 296th Street, encompassing 42 square miles – nearly the size of the City of Carmel.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation has already designated 80 acres in the region for agricultural businesses, with several housing developments expressing interest in connecting to the new utilities.

Photo provided by Hamilton County

“With these improvements, we are also expanding broadband access and making crucial road enhancements for the growing populations of Cicero, Sheridan, and other northern towns along the corridor,” Heirbrandt added.

Marty Wessler, Chief Executive Officer of Wessler Engineering, anticipates the water and sewer systems will be operational by the first quarter of 2025, allowing residents to begin connecting to the utilities.

Wessler

“Construction for the Indiana National Guard Armory on 276th Street on the east side of U.S. 31 is on schedule and within budget, and the rest of the project is coming together swiftly,” Wessler said.

Funding for the project includes $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. An additional $20 million from the state will facilitate the creation of the Hamilton County Regional Utility District. County commissioners are in the process of shoring up contracts with water and sewer providers.

As the project progresses, Hamilton County is actively engaging with local developers and municipalities to ensure responsible and sustainable growth in the region.

“Now that residents are seeing the infrastructure take shape, including the installation of a water tower and fire hydrants, there is an increasing interest in the area for both residential and commercial development,” Heirbrandt said.

Photo provided by Hamilton County