Lebanon’s Tech Park Project Moves Forward with Water Supply Plans
The ambitious Limitless Exploration/Advanced Pace (LEAP) Innovation District in Lebanon, Indiana, is set to receive a significant water supply to support its development. Citizens Energy Group has announced plans to deliver 25 million gallons of water daily from Central Indiana sources, including the Eagle Creek Reservoir. This initiative comes as Lebanon lacks the necessary water resources to support the water-intensive tech park, which is crucial for the area’s economic growth. The project is currently underway, with construction finally gaining momentum after years of planning and community discussions.
Local residents have expressed concerns regarding the transparency of the project, its environmental impact, and the associated costs. Despite these worries, both Citizens Energy Group and Lebanon Utilities are committed to moving forward with the water supply plans. The infrastructure required for this project is extensive, with estimates suggesting that the total cost could exceed $1 billion. However, officials from both utilities have assured residents that the costs will not affect residential water rates.
Infrastructure Development and Costs
The water supply program for the LEAP district involves multiple infrastructure projects that Citizens Energy Group and Lebanon Utilities will undertake. Citizens plans to construct approximately 52 miles of new transmission mains, seven storage tanks, and four booster stations to facilitate the water supply to Lebanon. Additionally, the company will expand two water treatment plants in Marion County. Once the water reaches Lebanon, Lebanon Utilities will take over the distribution and treatment process.
Ed Basquill, the general manager of Lebanon Utilities, highlighted the collaboration between the two utilities, stating, “Our projects handshake with theirs.” Lebanon Utilities is also planning to build a pipeline to connect with Citizens’ infrastructure, along with a booster station and storage tanks. After usage, the wastewater will be treated by Lebanon’s wastewater treatment plant, which is set to expand its capacity from five million gallons to 15 million gallons daily.
Financing the Water Supply Project
The financing for the LEAP water supply project will be managed through loans from the Indiana Finance Authority’s State Revolving Fund (SRF). Citizens Energy Group estimates their portion of the project could cost around $700 million, while Lebanon Utilities anticipates costs of approximately $255 million for the water supply and $214.9 million for the wastewater project. Both utilities have already secured loans from the IFA, with plans for additional loans in the near future.
One of the primary concerns among residents is whether they will bear any costs associated with the project. Officials from Lebanon Utilities and Citizens Energy Group have reassured the public that residential ratepayers will not be impacted. A new rate district specifically for the LEAP area will ensure that costs are covered by revenue generated from new commercial and residential customers within the district. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation has also contributed $50 million to support initial loan payments until the district generates sufficient revenue.
Austal USA awarded contract modification for two additional Landing Craft Utility (LCU) for US Navy
As the LEAP Innovation District continues to develop, the collaboration between utilities and state agencies aims to ensure a sustainable water supply while addressing community concerns.
