Gibson County seeks $2.6 million for three I-69 interchanges

The board voted unanimously to forward the request to the Gibson County Redevelopment Commission, which decides how TIF revenue will be used.

Board of Commissioners President Steve Bottoms said it’s time to be ready for development at the Ind. 64, Ind. 68 and Ind. 168 interchanges, with the next leg of the interstate opening soon to Bloomington.

“I don’t think we’re behind, but we’re not ahead,” said Bottoms.

County Attorney James McDonald said the engineering work would involve detailed blueprints for water and sewer lines and lift stations, easements, environmental and archaeological studies that will be needed before development can happen at those locations.

This summer, commissioner Gerald Bledsoe reported that locals have met with the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs to explore grant options for providing infrastructure.

Last summer, the redevelopment board approved a resolution establishing a 47,000-acre economic development area along the Gibson County stretch of I-69.

The designation could pave the way for new Tax Increment Finance districts where development occurs along the corridor, in order to capture assessed valuation and use some of the property tax revenue paid by a company developing in that district to fund infrastructure or other projects that benefit the district.

A preliminary study financed with TIF money and private donations explored infrastructure needs at the three interchanges.

Questioned about the $2.6 million estimate for the next phase of planning, Bottoms said commissioners first considered tackling one interchange at a time, but opted to move forward on all three, to be prepared for potential development at any interchange when the chance comes.

Commissioners said the request is an estimate, and does not include any “brick and mortar” projects or money for acquiring easements.