WEST LAFAYETTE – Governor Eric J. Holcomb, Speaker Todd Huston, and Senator Rodric Bray made the following statements following a productive visit with local stakeholders in Tippecanoe County to discuss water issues. Participants included elected city and county officials, the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, and Purdue University representatives.
“Friday’s meeting provided the opportunity to have an unfiltered conversation around the issue of water and a chance to reiterate what has been said all along, and that is the data – yet still to be gathered – will drive any or all future decisions. By joining Speaker Huston and Senator Bray in Tippecanoe County, I hope we demonstrated the close working partnership we share and our commitment to ensuring we have the right statewide water policy to support the entire state’s economic growth and needs. Finally, it was especially nice to hear directly from local leaders as they shared their perspectives and discussed how we can all best cooperate and share data as the Indiana Finance Authority continues its work on its regional water study,” Governor Eric Holcomb said.
“I want to thank Representatives Sharon Negele and Mark Genda for working tirelessly to ensure the voices of residents remain top of mind, and I appreciate them taking leadership roles in this process as we look not only at Tippecanoe County but water policy for the entire region and state,” said House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers). “We are all committed to having a data-driven water study, and even if the water study results and independent review are favorable, any large projects will require additional legislative review and approval before moving forward.”
“While the IEDC is tasked with the important role of attracting business investment to the state, the many associated aspects of a major project like LEAP, including environmental impact, infrastructure development, tax and appropriation implications, and workforce policy, are the joint responsibility of the executive branch and the legislature. The IEDC has been a vital and successful driver of Indiana’s job growth, but they are not and will not be the final decision maker on water issues related to the LEAP project,” said Senator Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville). “Sens. Deery and Alting have been my eyes and ears on this matter in the Senate, and I will work closely with them as this study moves forward.”
