Knox County Economic Development CEO Chris Pfaff provided a wide-ranging update to county commissioners Tuesday night, covering infrastructure projects, housing development, grant opportunities, and ongoing investment efforts across the county.
Pfaff began with updates on the READI program. He said the final two READI One projects are now underway. That includes a sewer line along Elkhorn Road and the Sievers Road extension, as well as a water line project along Keller Road connecting to Essex and Loop to create a redundant water system for the industrial park. Pfaff said both projects are actively in progress and expected to be completed by this summer.
During discussion, Pfaff said he believes only homes on one side of Sievers Road may be able to connect during the current phase, but added he would need to confirm that detail. He said additional access could be considered in a future phase.
Pfaff also reported that all READI 2.0 project submissions are now in the state’s system and under review. He said the county expects to hear back within two to three weeks, either with approvals or requests for additional information.
The READI program, which stands for the Indiana Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative, is a state-funded effort launched in 2021 to support regional economic growth, attract talent, and improve quality of place. It is administered by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.
Pfaff also updated commissioners on a statewide arts and culture grant opportunity through the Lilly Endowment. He said the application window is open through April 15. Two local organizations are preparing proposals: Vincennes University which is seeking funding to expand The Red Skelton Museum, and the other is the Indiana Military Museum. Pfaff said both have met with the Indiana Arts Commission for guidance. Regional review is expected in May, with statewide award announcements anticipated around June or July.
On housing, Pfaff said construction is moving forward on Bierhaus Flats along Elkhorn Road. The first 24 units are expected to be available by June. He said the developer reported at least 30 applications already submitted for those units. Additional units are expected to come online in phases every few weeks after the initial opening.
Pfaff also discussed the Opportunity Knox campaign, which includes national advertising, digital outreach, and billboards. He said one billboard has been placed in Lawrenceville to target commuters traveling into Knox County. Pfaff told commissioners there are at least 1,500 people who commute from Illinois into Knox County each day for work. He said the campaign aims to encourage some of those workers to consider relocating by highlighting housing and job opportunities in the area.
He noted the campaign also comes as some nearby communities have experienced business closures, including one in Albion, and said the effort is intended to reach workers who may be looking for new opportunities.
Pfaff closed with an update on the Amazon project in the industrial park. He said the company is moving quickly on construction of a last-mile distribution center. The county is working on a sewer line extension using TIF funds to support the development, which will connect directly to the facility.
Pfaff also said Compass Construction, based in Indianapolis, is serving as the general contractor. He identified the site supervisor as David Green and said subcontractors interested in working on the project can be connected through his office or county officials.
Pfaff told commissioners he will continue to provide updates as these projects progress.
