Indy Standard

State Representative Robb Greene hosted a meeting on Monday with local leaders and community advocates to discuss water resource protection in South Central Indiana. The event took place at the Moral Township Volunteer Fire Department's community room, where Jim McGoff from the Indiana Finance Authority presented findings from their 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," said Greene. He emphasized the importance of public access to these studies to empower citizens to voice concerns about potential impacts on water resources.

The study, initiated in 2022, assessed future groundwater and surface water demand and aimed to improve understanding of regional water resources. It projected a 56% increase in water demand for public utilities over the next five decades.

During the session, Greene joined representatives from Fairland, incoming county officials, and members of the Northwest Shelby County Concerned Citizens Coalition to explore the study's focus on 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," stated Greene. He highlighted the necessity of balancing development with the needs of farmers and rural families in House District 47.

Greene encouraged constituents to participate in his legislative survey before the 2025 session by visiting in.gov/h47. The survey allows residents to express concerns regarding water supply and other local issues.