Published: June 16, 2009 01:32 pm      

Construction projects passed at River Ridge meeting in Clark County

Waterline Road almost at unanimous approval

Construction projects are moving along at River Ridge Commerce Center. The River Ridge Board of Directors approved several initiatives to continue improvements of the land that used to house the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant.

One of the construction projects discussed was a progress update for Waterline Road.

Three of five local entities have approved the Waterline Road proposal, allowing River Ridge to develop it as a private road.

“We are giving them basically a license to use it rather than dedicating it as a public road,” said James Williams, board counsel for River Ridge. “As time passes, and we start developing we’ll need to change the road. And we have the right to do that under our agreement.”

The Port Authority, Clark County and Utica already have reached an agreement with River Ridge. Charlestown and the city of Jeffersonville are the only remaining territories needed to reach total consent.

With allowances to the road and aid in construction from the territories involved, an agreement is expected to be reached, Williams said.

“Each of the entities, except for the Port [Authority] has agreed to do certain parts of the work,” he said.

Charlestown is expected to discuss approval at its next meeting July 6.

In addition to Waterline Road, a resolution approving construction of a traffic light at River Ridge Circle and Ind. 62 was passed at Monday’s meeting. There was some concern over the cost of the traffic light being bid well above what it was expected to cost. The lowest bidder’s $182,000 price tag was much higher than the approved resolution for $149,000. The increase in cost was because of a small commercial entrance across Ind. 62 that was required as part of the signal, as well as an easement for the lighting poles, looping of the wires and sensors needed for the lights to function properly.

The board is expected to negotiate with the lowest bidder to reach a final agreement.

River Ridge also will work with the city of Jeffersonville to try and get the funding together for the stoplight. Jeffersonville is expected to pay about $74,000 for its portion, leaving $75,000 for River Ridge to cover the remaining costs. River Ridge Circle and Ind. 62 traffic signal installation, known as resolution 19-2009, was unanimously approved by the board.

In other business

• The River Ridge Development Authority board approved an amendment to help pay costs of excavation. A supplemental payment was allocated because, instead of blasting rock at a site, machine excavation was required and it exceeded the normal price of removing the rock. Excavation was necessary because of proximity to a building, owned by Kerry Stemler. River Ridge has agreed to pay half, $26,040, of the estimated costs pending approval and release from Stemler.

• As an update on the master plan for River Ridge, a marketing materials and target industry study is planned. No target industries are known at this time, but some idea of what industries might locate within the development may be discussed at the next meeting, said Tom Vittitow, planning and development manager for River Ridge.

• A resolution, 20-2009, requesting water system improvements also passed. The improvements will create a loop for the water system, using valves, to be able to shut off portions of water if repairs are being made. It allows for other residents to have uninterrupted service. The estimated cost of the project is $30,000.

• Approval was given to continue supporting One Southern Indiana to the tune of $25,000. As part of the agreement, the River Ridge board of directors are included as members of One Southern Indiana.

• Resolution 21-2009 was approved. The resolution is a D3 final deed transfer from the United States government, to River Ridge.

Also, Nease Lukens was approved as agent of record for the River Ridge Development Authority.