On Tuesday the State Department of Natural Resources approved the creation of the Pigeon Creek Watershed Development Commission.
This is a new volunteer governmental body that can begin to fix problems with this watershed.
Commissioner Cheryl Musgrave missed the state of the County to attend the hearing which yielded this approval. This was the latest-breaking news to be shared at the 2024 State of The County luncheon.
“Now there will be the authority to go on to Pigeon Creek and to address the water quality and flooding,” she said. “Until now, no local governmental unit had that authority. It didn't belong to the city; It didn't belong to the county.”
Musgrave said this approval was made possible under a new state law and that this is the first commission created under that law.
She said attempts to solve flooding on Pigeon Creek go back 100 years. Other problems include an unknown source of chlorine in the water.
She said the commission will have five members for now, focusing on Vanderburgh County. Other counties can also join.
This will be Musgrave’s final State of the County. She did not pass the last Republican primary election, so she only has a few more months as a commissioner.
Overall she said she shepherded $170 million for projects including the rural broadband network and road and bridge improvements among others. She said there were no tax increases, and $30 million of the total was local taxpayer money.
“That's something that fills me with joy, that those projects are there for everyone to use, and that they will form a foundation and already have for greater economic development of our community.”
A video was played, highlighting her accomplishments as a commissioner.
Justin Elpers and Mike Goebel discussed things like a new neighborhood-based policing program from the Sheriff’s office, the Health Department’s robust immunization program and many many other topics.
Elpers says they are already planning what’s next.
“Looking ahead to 2025, the commissioners are adamantly working to help streamline processes so economic growth can flourish more in Vanderburgh County, we're keeping our eyes on the prize with quality life projects, and we highlighted that today with Burdette Park.”
Regarding other facilities, the Veterans Memorial Coliseum was discussed in terms of much-needed improvements, and the Old Courthouse in terms of a busy rental schedule.
Elpers said he appreciates the collaborative spirit of county government.
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