The WRTC is a CIRDA subcommittee composed of representatives of CIRDA member communities that are on the White River, and other entities focused on the White River, like Visit Indy, White River Alliance, and Citizens Energy. Most recently, the WRTC was awarded a $1.6M Department of Transportation Connecting Communities Planning Grant for bridge work across the White River in Noblesville.
CIRDA White River Technical Committee Updates - July 9, 2025
At the Central Indiana Regional Development Authority (CIRDA)’s July meeting, Sarah Reed, Chairperson of CIRDA’s White River Vision Plan Technical Committee (WRVPTC), provided an update from the committee. Established in 2024 by CIRDA, the WRVPTC serves an advisory role to CIRDA with a primary mission to promote regionwide implementation of the White River Vision Plan. During Reed’s presentation, she touched on the committee’s background, its members & appointees, recent grant submissions & awards, accomplishments, and more.
To see the slide deck from her presentation and learn more about the committee and its recent work, click the slide above.
WRTC Projects
West Bank Beautification
Invasive removal and cleanup to improve river views near Federal Hill Commons, including the potential for formal pathway and viewing area.
Water Science & Policy Engagement
Programs designed to advance understanding and involvement in water stewardship.
USDA Urban Community Forestry Project
Watershed-wide community-based forestry investments in Marion County, including 185-acres of additional native-plant open space, planting of 4,500 trees, and maintenance of other trees.
Thomas Marcuccilli Nature Park
Development of 63-acre passive nature park located near southwest corner of 146th Street and River Road.
The Valley Riverfront Apartments
Development of river-facing apartments with river activation components just north of Back 9 near The Valley neighborhood.
Strawtown Koteewi Park
Includes projects to enhance recreational opportunities and river stewardship, such as repairing the levee, expanding fishing access, building boardwalks and an observation tower, upgrading tubing and archery facilities, and constructing a lodge to boost tourism. Additional efforts focus on habitat restoration, improving trailheads with signage, and expanding the Taylor Center of Natural History.
Strategic Land Acquisition for Forest Preservation
Funding for Indy Lands Conservation Plan
Steven Nation Pathway
The first 2.5-mile asphalt-paved leg of the Steven Nation Pathway stretches west-to-east along Jackson/234th Street from Cicero to the White River Campground.
Rocky Ripple Flood Wall
Construction of flood wall around Rocky Ripple community.
Riverside Park
Implementation of the Riverside Park Master Plan by converting two golf courses to other uses, a new regional aquatic center, a baseball/softball tournament venue, more pathways and parking, an urban farm, mountain biking, and urban farm, expanded family center, and an expanded skate park. The Riverside Adventure Park recommendations are listed separately in the Riverside Adventure Park project.