By Becky Killian, Staff Writer

Officials heard about an incentive that could lead to more broadband service in underserved and unserved areas of the county. The discussion happened during the Tuesday, Dec. 3, meeting of the Washington County Board of Commissioners.

Representatives from Mainstream Media said they have already invested $5 million to install broadband in the county. To help continue their investment, they asked commissioners to consider declaring portions of the county as an Infrastructure Development Zone. If implemented, any provider that provides broadband within that zone will be exempt from personal property tax on the fiber and equipment that is installed in the ground.

The area proposed for the zone is in the west and southwest portions of the county, including Hardinsburg and Palmyra.

Commissioner Todd Ewen said the county currently has about 75 percent broadband coverage thanks to tax abatements county officials approved for broadband providers like Jackson Connect and Orange County Telemedia.

Ewen advised the Mainstream Media representatives to approach the County Council about the request to establish the Infrastructure Development Zone.

• Education
• Government
• State of Indiana

Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09), along with Committee on Education and the Workforce Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05), has formally requested that the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) review special education services for children with disabilities enrolled in private schools to determine possible under-identification. This effort aims to address significant gaps in the identification and provision of services mandated for students under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

“Children with disabilities deserve access to the resources and support they need, regardless of the type of school they attend,” said Congresswoman Houchin. “It is unacceptable that students in private schools may be overlooked, leaving them without the assistance provided by federal law.”

Under IDEA, local educational agencies are required to evaluate all children with disabilities within their jurisdiction, including those enrolled by their parents in private schools. However, research suggests that only 3 percent of private school students are identified as having disabilities under IDEA—far below the 6 to 9 percent estimated need and significantly lower than the 13 percent identification rate for public school students.

“These discrepancies suggest widespread issues that must be addressed,” added Congresswoman Houchin. “Through this review, we can ensure that children with disabilities in private schools are no longer left behind and receive the support they need, regardless of their educational setting.”

Congresswoman Houchin remains committed to advocating for students with disabilities and their families, ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed.

• INDOT

RRDA Opening Jim Lewis Avenue at State Road 62 with New Traffic Pattern

 

Intersection Improvements Expected to be Fully Completed in the First Quarter of 2025

Charlestown, IN (December 5, 2024) – River Ridge Development Authority (RRDA) announced today it is preparing to open the Jim Lewis Avenue intersection at State Road 62 in the coming months with a new traffic pattern on SR62. This project marks an important milestone in infrastructure improvements to serve new businesses and their employees within the River Ridge Commerce Center (RRCC).

As part of ongoing development, the “Green T” intersection project is expected to be fully completed in the first quarter of 2025. In the interim, the intersection will open to allow traffic flow, but without signalization. Drivers will have the ability to turn right into and out of Jim Lewis Avenue at the intersection at SR62, but left turns will be temporarily restricted until the project is finalized.

Additionally, upgrades are underway at Miami Trail with installation of a four-way, signalized intersection. This critical improvement aims to enhance connectivity and streamline traffic flow into Dan Cristiani Excavating’s Shadow Lake development and into the RRCC. This project will also complement the additional infrastructure enhancements at Jim Lewis Avenue.

“The opening of the Jim Lewis Avenue intersection demonstrates our commitment to improving transportation infrastructure for our businesses while prioritizing public safety for their employees and residents in the area,” said Jerry Acy, Executive Director. “We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as we work to deliver these upgrades.”

The “Green T” intersection is designed to enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion, improving access and safety for all road users. Once complete, the project will include new signalization, lane configurations, and enhanced signage to support smooth navigation.

For more information about the design and functionality of the planned “Green T” intersection, visit the Indiana Department of Transportation website athttps://www.in.gov/indot/traffic-engineering/green-t-intersection/.

"We are excited to see the positive impact this project will have for residents, commuters and businesses in the area," said Chris Jackson, President of Dan Cristiani Excavating Co, Inc. "These changes will serve the community well for years to come, setting a foundation for future investment."

Charlestown city officials also highlighted the importance of these improvements for the community. “These upgrades represent significant progress in making Charlestown more accessible and safer for our residents and visitors,” said Charlestown Mayor Treva Hodges. “We’re proud to see investments like this taking shape, proving once again there has never been a better time to choose Charlestown.”

Residents and commuters are encouraged to stay updated on the project by visiting RiverRidgeCC.com for announcements and real-time updates.