The key to economic development is to create an environment with innovation and technology to attract and retain businesses, acquire and retain talent and promote entrepreneurship. Several factors are critical to economic development: broadband access, a location for STEM opportunities, infrastructure to support economic growth and adequate public safety:fire, police and ambulance service.

Economic development is critical to the future of Floyd County’s in retaining our young people, creating employment opportunities, creating talent, attracting businesses and making Floyd County the best place to live and raise a family.

John has stepped up as a champion in creating a sustaining environment for economic development. As you read below, it is evident John is a team member but a champion when needed.

Last year, John championed obtaining a $2.1M state grant that will now bring high quality, affordable broadband to over 2100 un-served or under served homes and 300 un-served businesses in Floyd County.

With his experience in optical fiber networks and the telecommunications industry, John stepped up as a champion in bringing broadband to these areas in Floyd County; Greenville, Lafayette, Georgetown and Franklin townships.  John worked with the commissioner’s staff, Don Lopp and Justin Tackett and collaborated with MainStream Fiber.

MainStream Fiber reached out to the Commissioners with the possibility of partnering for a Next Level Grant. We scheduled town meetings at St. Mary’s Navilleton and at Pineview Government Center and rolled out the details of the project scope, received feedback and asked residents to write letters to the County Council to support a $700K commitment.  We reached out to our local Senators and Representative and businesses for their support.

In early December, the Office of Community Rural Affairs (OCRA) notified Floyd County and MainStream that a $2.1M grant was awarded. Lieutenant Governor Crouch presented the check at a a ceremony in Nashville Indiana.  Broadband will be available to over 2100 residents and 300 businesses in areas currently under served or with no broadband service in Floyd County.  MainStream Fiber will further expand the broadband access area as all county residents are encouraged to go to msfiber.net and indicate their interest.

Some Floyd County areas have several choices of internet providers.  Bringing broadband access to the un-served and under served areas to Floyd County residents has been John’s priority and passion

Novaparke; an Innovation and Technology Park will bring 400 Science Technology Engineering & Math (STEM) jobs. As an active member on the Redevelopment Commission, John have made this a priority. An anchor tenant will be announced soon.

In September 2019, we broke ground for Novaparke, our Innovation and Technology Park-60 acre campus.  Later this year we will be announcing our anchor tenant. MAC Construction is installing the drainage structures and grading for streets and building lots. Phase II will be the building of a new railroad overpass when completed will eliminate three very dangerous railroad crossings.

We are renovating the John Beams house; The Whistle Stop and renovating the barn on the old John Beams property creating a maker space area for entrepreneurs.

There will also be infrastructure improvements; installation of a stop light across from the entrance of Novaparke to provide traffic control for Oakes Road and a stop light at Tunnel Hill and SR64.

Since 2017, we have paved or wedge sealed over 100 miles of roads and rehabbed 15 bridges. We will be paving 30+ miles of roads in 2020 and continuing to rebuild and maintain our bridges.

To provide for better visibility during inclement weather conditions or at night, our Road Department is painting white lines on the road edges and where INDOT standards allow, yellow center lines are being painted.

Last year commissioners made improvements at Tunnel Hill and US 64; adding a turning lane, improving/adding medium, installation of signage and paving.  A new stop light will be installed at Tunnel Hill to provide better traffic control. A traffic light will be installed across from Novaparke to align with spur road from Oakes Road to provide safe entry to US64.

Floyd County Commissioners are responsible for the bridges in Floyd County and New Albany.  Floyd County was awarded a KIPDA grant that will reimburse 80% of the cost to build a new Blackiston Mill bridge.  Preliminary engineering is currently being performed.