JEFFERSONVILLE — With one vote, the River Ridge Development Authority now owns all 6,000 acres of the commerce center previously owned by the U.S. Army.
The board unanimously voted in a meeting Monday to accept deed conveyance of 293 acres on the north portion of River Ridge in Charlestown. It was the last section owned by the Army.
"The enactment of this resolution ... will bring on a pretty historical momentous occasion," Executive Director Jerry Acy said before the vote.
The total cost for the land — full of old structures in need of demolition — is $509,402.
River Ridge can pay for a large chunk of that property through credit accumulated with the Army, meaning the commerce center doesn't have to dip into its pockets.
The remainder, which is $28,238, can be paid over the next 10 years or when individual properties are sold.
The first Army property deeded to River Ridge occurred in 2005.
Other than final work associated with the last deed conveyance, the vote Monday means River Ridge is free of many requirements and restrictions placed on them by the Army.
For example, River Ridge no longer has to provide around-the-clock security of Army-owned parcels and doesn't need the federal government's permission before demolishing buildings on its property.
Board member Ned Pfau said he was interested in paying off the Army before the 10-year deadline of the latest land transfer.
"We've had a lot of heartburn since 1998," Pfau said.
River Ridge staff and board members will likely host a public celebration when the deed is officially signed, which usually happens two or three months after the board's approval.
During the meeting Monday, the board also approved several construction contracts for road extension projects.
Two large projects were River Ridge Parkway and International Drive extensions.
The board voted to hire Excel Excavating Inc. for the extension of International Drive from Logistics Avenue to Paul Garrett Avenue. The contract amount was $2.16 million.
Another contract was awarded to TNC Construction for $2.53 million to extend River Ridge Parkway from Trey Street to International Drive.