Bill to Promote Economic Development in Alexandria Wins Approval

Ken De La Bastide, The Herald Bulletin

April 11, 2025

ANDERSON — Legislation to allow the creation of a 460-acre industrial park near Alexandria is awaiting the signature of Gov. Mike Braun.

The legislation was sponsored by state Sen. Mike Gaskill, R-Pendleton, and state Rep. Elizabeth Rowray, R-Yorktown.

The legislation would allow Alexandria to annex noncontiguous property for the purpose of creating an industrial park, expanding the city’s ability to attract new businesses and create more jobs in the area.

“I’m pleased to sponsor this bill, which will help Alexandria attract economic development and continue to thrive,” Rowray said. “Offering tools for the city to pursue an industrial park could be a game changer for the community and help pave the way for growth that will benefit the region for years to come.”

The bill stipulates that Alexandria would take on the responsibility of providing public services and infrastructure to the annexed area, either directly or through contracts.

The bill would allow Alexandria to annex the property south of Poet Biorefining, even though it’s not adjacent to the city limits, Gaskill explained.

Rob Sparks, executive director of the local Corporation for Economic Development, said passage of the legislation would help with the marketing of the property.

“We have had lots of looks and several great leads,” Sparks said of the site.

He said the property was at first considered for development through Madison County, but with Alexandria possibly annexing the property it would provide the necessary zoning.

Alan Moore, director of economic development for the City of Alexandria, previously said the site has hosted several visits for possible development.

“The marketplace is very competitive,” he said. “We want to get the property zoned properly and allow us to attract a development.”

Moore said the site has all city utilities.

“We will continue to market the site,” Moore added.

“Without zoning in place, it creates a challenge of being competitive,” Moore told Indiana Inside Business. “So that’s the obstacle that we’re looking at.”

Moore said the business park could be expanded near the site in the future.