Indy Standard

The State Budget Committee has approved funding for repairs at Horsemen's Camp in Brown County State Park, as announced by State Sen. Eric Koch (R-Bedford) and State Rep. Dave Hall (R-Norman). The camp suffered significant damage from a tornado on May 16.

Before the tornado, Horsemen's Camp was a popular destination for equine enthusiasts, offering facilities for riding and amenities for horses. To address the damage, Koch and Hall worked with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to request $925,542 from unused Repair and Rehabilitation Funds to restore the area.

"Horsemen's Camp is a very important part of Brown County State Park and the equine industry, contributing over $320,000 in annual revenue and bringing in out-of-state visitors," Koch said. "I'm glad the State Budget Committee approved this proposal so we can restore the area and get people back out there enjoying the trails with their horses."

The approval came after Koch and Hall submitted a letter to the committee seeking assistance for Horsemen's Camp.

"This funding is a big win for our community and for everyone who enjoys the outdoors," Hall said. "Horsemen's Camp is a unique part of Brown County, and getting it repaired quickly means welcoming back folks who love to ride and camp here. I'm grateful to the State Budget Committee for helping make this possible."

Koch holds positions as chairman of the Senate Committee on Utilities, ranking member of several other committees including Commerce and Technology, Judiciary, Corrections, and Criminal Law. He represents Senate District 44 covering Brown, Jackson, Lawrence, Orange counties, along with parts of Monroe County.

Hall serves as vice chairman of the House Committee on Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications; he is also a member of other committees like Local Government and Natural Resources. He represents House District 62 which includes all of Brown County as well as parts of Monroe and Jackson counties.