Washington plans for growth with I 69

DAVIESS COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - One year ago, Washington and Daviess Counties commissioned a $100,000 study for plans the community needs to make for when Interstate 69 is constructed.

A field north of U.S. 50 on the east side of Washington may turn into a major growth area when I-69 comes to town. The city has a new plan projecting what the interstate's impact could be if the city starts getting ready.

"If you don't plan for today, if you don't plan for tomorrow, you'll never get there," Washington Mayor Larry Haag said.

The consultants are telling local officials that once I-69 arrives, this area out here could be in for a huge change. They project that as many as 500 acres could be turned into commercial and industrial development and produce jobs for more than 1000 people.

Already the city is looking at its electric, sewer and water capacities trying to get a leg up on providing infrastructure for the area.

"We can't wait to start those types of things before you start a project because you'll miss the time frame. The window will close," executive director of the Daviess County Economic Development Corporation said.

Besides the projected commercial and industrial growth, the plan said the community may have to build hundreds of new houses to handle new residents coming into the area.