Rochester to use name from city's origin for project to enhance its future

Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 11:56 AM

By Johnny McCrory

The city of Rochester hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday to launch the Industrial Park & Infrastructure Upgrades Project — a more than $20 million investment in water, wastewater and infrastructure improvements.

The event was held at 542 S. CR 50E, Rochester, just south of Paradise Auto & Truck Plaza.

Rochester Mayor Trent Odell spoke with GIANT fm News and the Fulton County Post following the ceremony.

The project includes:

— A $16 million Indiana Finance Authority investment for water main upgrades, a 750,000-gallon storage tank, 39 hydrants and removal of lead service lines.

— A $5 million Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative 2.0 and city investment to extend water and wastewater service to a new industrial park along U.S. 31.

— An expected $26 million in total investment for the region, complementing Indiana’s $300 million U.S. 31 project.

Officials believe the project marks a historic step toward expanding commercial and residential development in north-central Indiana and laying the foundation for long-term economic growth.