Economic Development

The Montgomery County Redevelopment Commission’s core focus is to determine and pursue business development activities which can best promote the expansion of existing businesses and draw in new businesses for job creation. One of the most effective ways of achieving these goals is to create Economic Development Areas (EDAs). These areas are identified as having the potential to be great areas for existing businesses to grow and ideal locations for future businesses in our great county. The Nucor TIF District, along with four Development Focus Areas, were formed to target growth in accordance with the County’s Future Land Use Plan.

Economic Development Vision Plan

Development Focus Areas

The following map highlights the current Development Focus Areas in Montgomery County. Much of the RDC’s investments in infrastructure have been within the Nucor TIF District, incorporating Area 1, the SR32/I-74 Corridor, and Area 2, the Nucor Road Area.

Development Focus Area 1: SR 32 Corridor/I-74 Interchange

This area is a key gateway into the county, as well as into the city of Crawfordsville. It includes the properties that are in all four quadrants of the SR 32 interchange as well as the areas both north and south of SR 32 between the city of Crawfordsville and the interchange. The interchange is primarily agricultural land (except for the fuel station and a facility at the interchange). As you travel west along SR 32 toward the city of Crawfordsville, the area becomes more residential, but there are significant development opportunities which still exist.

Development Focus Area 2: Nucor Road Area

This area is primarily agricultural land with the exception of the industrial development around Nucor Steel. Utilities do exist in the southern part of this focus area with sufficient capacity to support continued economic activity. Sewer has been extended north along Nucor Road to provide sewer service to the entire corridor.

This focus area is a unique development opportunity as it has multiple parcels bordering miles of CSX rail service. It’s a great area for businesses that would require rail and interstate access. Additionally, some of the property in this focus area has already gone through Duke Energy’s Site Readiness Analysis.

Development Focus Area 3: SR 47/US 231

Much of this area is currently agricultural, but the areas to the north include a mix of significant commercial and residential development within the city of Crawfordsville. City utilities are available in the area and some are being and have been planned as part of ongoing infrastructure improvements in the area.

One project to note is the CR 200 S extension project. This project is now complete with the help and partnership between the city of Crawfordsville and Montgomery County. This project will aid in bringing new development potential to the west of the existing commercial/retail center.

Development Focus Area 4: I-74/ Lafayette Road Interchange

This interchange serves as the northern gateway into Crawfordsville. Like the US 231 area south of town, the majority of this area falls within the 2-mile planning jurisdiction of the city of Crawfordsville. The south side of the interchange is currently a mix of industrial, commercial and residential uses. It is currently home to most of the county’s hotels, significant commercial development and the Crawfordsville Commerce Park. While the south side of the interchange has already experienced significant development, there are still areas in both the southeast and southwest quadrants that can support additional development activity.

Given the presence of utility access and shovel ready sites on the south side of the interchange, there are immediate development opportunities in this area. The desired future land uses on the south side of the interchange are an expansion of the uses that are currently in place. The interchange also serves as the northern gateway into Crawfordsville, making it a great area for future development.

Current Projects

Overview

The RDC is always working to ensure that capacity exists for future development for areas without existing infrastructure. Development action plans are in place to bring infrastructure to these properties within a short time span. Montgomery RDC has invested in multiple infrastructure projects to spur growth in various Development Focus Areas in the county.

Nucor TIF

Many of Montgomery County’s investments in infrastructure and planned projects are within the Nucor TIF District. The implementation of new and improved infrastructure, along with the support and resources of the RDC, makes parcels within this area primed for development.

Sewer for SR32 & Nucor Rd. Areas

Phase 1: Nucor Rd. to Chigger Hollow.
The Phase 1 sewer plan connects the Nucor Rd. WWTP up Nucor Rd. to the Chigger Hollow community.

Phase 2: SR32/ Nucor Rd.
The Phase 2 sewer plan continues sewer from Nucor Rd. to run along SR32 from the I-74 interchange, westward to the Walnut Hills community.

Both Phase 1 and 2 are now complete.

Water for SR32 & Nucor Rd. Areas

Phase 1: from the plant at Banjo Drive east to Nucor Road to be in-service by Sept 30, 2020

Phase 2: from the end of Phase 1 south to CR 100S to be in-service by November 30, 2021

Phase 3: from the end of Phase 2 south to CR 500S (in-service date not yet scheduled)

Easement acquisition is in progress for phase 1. The construction of the proposed Phase 1 project has been awarded to Plant Brothers Excavating & Construction and is scheduled to begin in June.

300S/ US 136 Truck Route Improvement

The 300S/ US 136 Truck Route Improvement will facilitate the logistics and truck traffic surrounding Nucor Steel. The new route will direct truck traffic to 300S, where it will meet I-74 at 200S.

Structurepoint is nearing the end of their study. Construction has not yet started.

US 136/ Nucor Rd. Overpass

The US 136/Nucor Rd. Overpass will alleviate congestion from truck traffic at the current intersection of Nucor Rd. and US 136.

This project is planned, but not yet started. Project start date TBD.