What Indiana governor candidates have to say about water pipeline plan to Boone County

Indiana's gubernatorial candidates across the political spectrum are taking the Indiana Economic Development Corporation to task over a highly scrutinized water pipeline plan to feed the LEAP district, the multi-billion-dollar high-tech manufacturing park in Boone County.

The proposal to build a pipeline from the Wabash River aquifer about 40 miles to the LEAP district has drawn intense public scrutiny in the Lafayette area, where public meetings have been standing-room only and the West Lafayette City Council has even formally opposed the plan. Local officials and residents criticize IEDC for developing plans, such as through signing a $10 million contract to design the pipeline, before having the full results of a study of how much water is actually available to move without adversely affecting the Lafayette community.

The IEDC has maintained that these detailed studies should merely prove their hypothesis, based on existing maps, that the Wabash area is lush with water. Further, officials contend that this can be a solution for central Indiana's future water needs as a whole ― something the state, for decades, has not taken initiative on.

The IEDC contracted engineering firm Intera to study the aquifer's size and released preliminary results in September, finding that the aquifer could sustainably pump at least 30 million gallons a day without affecting nearby residents. More detailed results are expected by year's end.

Eric Doden says he's 'deeply concerned'

Eric Doden, a Fort Wayne businessman who served on the IEDC from 2013 to 2015, put out a statement Tuesday saying he is "deeply concerned" about the pipeline plan. He pointed out that the public has yet to see the full dataset from the water study, and that this water study was paid for by the organization seeking to move forward with the project ― the IEDC."Any state-sponsored project demands a high level of accountability," he said. "With a resource as vital as water at stake, Hoosier taxpayers deserve greater transparency than IEDC provides."

He also called for the full study to be reviewed by independent experts, which is something the IEDC has pledged to do.

Doden also said he sees this as an example of supporting larger communities at the expense of smaller ones.

If studies proved that Lafayette would be harmed by the proposal, the IEDC would change course, officials have said.

Brad Chambers defends IEDC

Brad Chambers, the most recent IEDC president, for whom the LEAP project is large part of his legacy, is fervently defending the IEDC's actions.

He said the IEDC saw the LEAP project, beyond a job-producer and economy-booster, as an opportunity to address the future water needs of Central Indiana, which have been studied for decades.

He defended the IEDC's contracted engineering firm, Intera, as a "preeminent and widely respected water resource expert with national experience."  "Creating opportunity for Hoosiers across the state requires a bold vision and I believe we can do that while also protecting our critical resources. If the study indicated harm for any Hoosier community, we wouldn't have moved forward with the project," Chambers said. "Unlike the career politicians who want to pit communities against each other, as governor I'll lead to build the economy of the future to bring prosperity to rural, suburban, and urban Hoosiers, together."

Suzanne Crouch calls on IEDC to share more

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch first made reference to residents' concerns over the use of both water and farmland back in August.

On Aug. 2, she wrote on X that if elected, she would order a "comprehensive review of the state's water policies and promise Hoosier communties they will be active participants in this critical discussion."

"We owe it to future generations to ensure they have the water and other resources necessary for a vibrant Indiana," she wrote.

On Wednesday, in a statement to IndyStar, Crouch said she's fielded questions about why this water study wasn't done before the LEAP district location was selected and called on the IEDC to be more forthcoming with details.

"A project of this size and impact must have the highest degree of accountability possible, and I call on the IEDC to explain more clearly its plans for Indiana’s water reserves and farmland," she stated.

Curtis Hill: 'Halt the progress'

Former Attorney General Curtis Hill said he echoes the concerns that farmers and business leaders in Boone County have about both water access and effects of the project on local farmland.

"I empathize with the apprehensions expressed by residents of Boone County, who believe that the detrimental effects of the project outweigh its potential benefits," he said. "It is imperative to implement measures that minimize environmental and economic disruptions before advancing with the project. Until then, it is prudent to halt the progress of this undertaking."

Mike Braun: 'Poor communication'

U.S. Sen. Mike Braun painted the situation as a reflection of the state's overall lack of coordination and communication when it comes to planning for Central Indiana's future water needs. That shouldn't prevent the LEAP project from going forward, he said.

“Our state has invested too much time and money into the LEAP project to allow it to be jeopardized by the poor communication and lack of collaboration we have seen from state officials surrounding the efforts to secure a sustainable water source to meet the needs of this fast-growing region," he said. "Access to a reliable source of water is nothing new for this region of the state, and many other regions are facing similar water challenges, but for far too long, state officials have ignored the obvious need to find a solution that benefits both communities with abundant water resources and those with scarce water resources. As governor, I will focus on delivering affordable and reliable access to utilities for all Hoosiers.”

Jennifer McCormick

Democratic candidate Jennifer McCormick, the former state schools superintendent, said there needs to be a balance between economic development and the preservation of natural resources.

“It is short-sighted and irresponsible for leaders to sacrifice one for the advancement of the other," she said. "Strong leaders also understand it is essential to include stakeholders from the onset of such projects with the goal of governing with accountability and transparency. As your next governor, I will demand such an approach to statewide opportunities to avoid foreseen and unforeseen consequences and unnecessary community division.”

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Donald Rainwater

Donald Rainwater, the Libertarian candidate, said he has many concerns about the role of the IEDC in state government and that this action represents an example of prioritizing corporate interests.

"I believe that the IEDC has been moving forward with the LEAP District Project in Boone County and specifically with the water pipeline planning prematurely and without truly minimizing the impact and cost to the taxpayers, landowners, and residents affected by this project," he said. "In a state government of the people, by the people, and for the people, 'We, the People,' must always take precedence over corporate-centric economic development."

Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Kayla Dwyer at kdwyer@indystar.com or follow her on Twitter @kayla_dwyer17.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana governor candidates weigh in on water pipeline to Boone County