The LEAP (Limitless Exploration/Advanced Pace) project in northern Boone County, Indiana, is a large-scale economic development initiative aiming to transform 10,000 acres into a major industrial and innovation hub. Here are the latest updates:
• Eli Lilly Investment: Eli Lilly is investing $9 billion to build two manufacturing sites in the LEAP District, with plans for 20 buildings across an 800-acre campus. This includes the recently announced $4.5 billion Lilly Medicine Foundry for advanced manufacturing.
• Water Supply Challenges: The project has faced significant controversy over water resources. Initial plans for pipelines to bring water from Tippecanoe County’s Wabash River aquifers and Indianapolis have been paused due to public outcry and environmental concerns. Studies are ongoing to address sustainable water solutions.
• Economic Impact: The state has spent nearly $1 billion on land purchases and infrastructure to attract industries like microchip manufacturing and life sciences. The district may host dozens of companies and create thousands of jobs at full capacity.
• Public Concerns: Critics highlight transparency issues and potential environmental risks, particularly regarding water usage and farmland conversion. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) has faced scrutiny for limited public engagement.
Construction continues, with completion projected in about four years.
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