State Rep. Robb Greene hosts local leaders, community advocates to discuss protecting local water resources

State Rep. Robb Greene (R-Shelbyville) on Monday hosted Jim McGoff, the Indiana Finance Authority's chief operating officer and director of environmental programs, at the Moral Township Volunteer Fire Department's community room to share findings from the IFA's South Central Indiana water study.

"The purpose of this meeting was to make more citizens aware that water is the latest front in an ongoing land-use debate. Whether you are a Shelby County resident, or you operate a farm or small business here, we need to make sure your needs are prioritized," Greene said. "By having these studies be publicly available, more citizens will feel empowered to voice their concerns on the potential impacts different developments can have on both our ground and surface water resources."

Greene said this study, which began in 2022, reviewed the estimated future groundwater and surface water demand availability, and helped build a better understanding of the region's water resources. The report found that public water utilities are expected to face a 56% increase in water demand over the next 50 years.

During the meeting, Greene, alongside representatives for the Town of Fairland, the incoming County Council, the County Board of Commissioners, and members of the Northwest Shelby County Concerned Citizens Coalition, learned more about the results of the IFA's water study, which focused on the water supply and projected demands in Hancock, Henry, Johnson, Shelby, Rush, Bartholomew, Jackson and Decatur counties.

"For those of us who share a passion for the preservation of farmland and rural communities, understanding water as a resource is extremely important," Greene said. "It is vital that we do not leave behind our farmers and rural families in the name of development, and monitoring where we allocate this essential asset helps to ensure all Hoosiers in House District 47 have their needs met."

He added that Hoosiers who wish to voice their concerns over the water supply or other issues facing Indiana can take his legislative survey ahead of the 2025 session.

To take the survey, constituents should go to in.gov/h47 and click on the "Take My Survey" button. From there, constituents can answer questions on various issues, as well as leave comments on other topics involving local communities, such as future water policy.

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