ANDERSON – Despite opposition by Delaware County officials to the proposed Mounds Lake reservoir, the project's lead supporter, Rob Sparks, hopes the plan continues to advance.
The Delaware County Council is drafting a statement in opposition to the project. The draft is in response to a meeting in Muncie two days ago where council members heard more than three hours of public comment in opposition to the Mounds Lake Reservoir.
The Anderson Corporation for Economic Development (CED) proposed the 2,100-acre reservoir project in 2013 to extend from Anderson to Yorktown at a projected cost of $450 million.
The studies have been completed and the next step is the formation of the Mounds Lake Commission to determine if the project is feasible. The Anderson City Council is scheduled to take an initial vote to join the commission on May 28.
On Wednesday, Sparks, executive director of CED, said a decision by the Delaware County Council and Delaware County commissioners to oppose the reservoir would have no impact on the project.
“If the towns and cities want it, we can move forward,” Sparks. “My hope is that the project can move forward.”
Delaware County Councilman Scott Alexander said a strong statement in opposition could be voted on at the next meeting at 9 a.m. Tuesday.
“I think at this point, everyone on the council believes the project doesn’t make sense,” he said. “If we form the commission, the commission has power to do what it wants.”
Alexander said the commission could obtain property through eminent domain and raise taxes.
“The major flaw in the (commission) agreement is a need for water,” he said. “There has been no proof from anyone that the water is needed in central Indiana.”
Alexander said the Delaware County Council has not heard from Sparks for several months, not since the Phase II study was announced in 2014.
“I think they are taking the wrong approach,” he continued. “I can’t get over the fact that Rob Sparks was at the public meeting and not address the council.
“It’s pretty obvious the people of Delaware County are not interested in the project.”
Sparks said he was not asked to make a presentation on Monday because it was for public input.
“I didn’t feel like I was there to get into an argument with anyone,” he said. “Not sure I could have said anything to change people’s minds.”
Alexander said there are too many obstacles to overcome for Delaware County and that the concerns have always been answered with "that will be done in a Phase III study."
“Most council members have lost confidence in the group,” he said of reservoir supporters. “They should take a pro-active approach and answer some of the major concerns.”
Alexander said no one in Delaware County has said they support the project. He said the reservoir might get mixed reviews in Daleville and Yorktown, which would be directly affected.
“Without major changes, we’re not ready to move forward with the commission,” he said. “I can understand why Anderson would want it, but there are no benefits for those living east of Interstate 69.”