BEDFORD — A new effectiveness report from the Southern Indiana Development Commission (SIDC) reveals a staggering return on investment for member counties, showing that for every dollar local governments contribute, the region sees $113 in project funding. Economic impact was presented to the commissioners on Tuesday morning by Executive Director Greg Jones.
The report provides a comprehensive synopsis of recent accomplishments across Daviess, Greene, Knox, Lawrence, and Martin Counties, totaling over $18.7 million in funded projects, excluding congressional direct spending.
Regional Land Bank Drives Growth
The Indiana Uplands Regional Land Bank, a READI initiative funded at $1,250,000, has become a cornerstone of local revitalization. With each participating county contributing $5,000 annually, the Land Bank has researched over 4,000 properties and currently owns 20.
Key financial impacts of the Land Bank include:
- Tax Revenue: $35,000 in property taxes have been paid to date, with an additional $20,000 projected for 2025/2026.
- Value Increase: Properties acquired at an assessed value of $564,300 are estimated to generate $3,675,000 in value upon development, representing a 6.5x return.
- Local Contracts: Over $73,445 has been awarded to local contractors for maintenance, title work, and surveys, with demolition spending expected to reach $115,000 in 2026.
Infrastructure and Housing Milestones
The SIDC has successfully leveraged state and federal funds to address critical infrastructure needs and housing shortages. Major infrastructure projects include a $2.97 million water project for Greene County and wastewater improvements in Odon ($750,000), Shoals ($700,000), and Jasonville ($700,000).
In the housing sector, SIDC is managing:
- Recovery Housing: $700,000 for Knox County LAM and $697,000 for Loogootee BTW.
- Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation: Recent projects have assisted dozens of homeowners in Bicknell, Daviess County, Linton, and Mitchell with critical repairs like roofing and HVAC systems.
- Future Planning: Vincennes is slated to apply for $350,000 in OCRA funds in July 2026 to assist 18 additional households.
Defense and Brownfield Redevelopment
SIDC remains a vital partner for the Naval Support Activity (NSA) Crane, managing over $17 million in defense-related efforts, including military compatibility handbooks and technical committees for the White River Military Coordination Alliance.
“Everything that affects Crane directly benefits Lawrence County employees who work for Crane and contractors,” said Commissioner Rodney Fish.
Additionally, the commission has been aggressive in environmental cleanup. The EPA Brownfields program has investigated 27 sites, leveraging over $13.2 million in total redevelopment and cleanup dollars. Notable sites under assessment include the Elnor Service Station, Eagles Lodge in Linton, and the Vincennes Grain Silos.
Looking Ahead
While the report celebrates past successes, it also outlines an ambitious list of future projects, including water improvements in Linton and Shoals, a new fire station for Marshall Township in Lawrence County, and continued EPA assessment funding.
The SIDC indicates that a future funding request in the $50,000 range annually will be necessary to sustain the Regional Land Bank, aiming to partner with foundations and banks to lower the direct cost to the counties.
