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
Morgan County Kayak Launches
Development of kayak/canoe access points in Martinsville and at Henderson Ford.
Martinsville Levees
Repair the Northern levee, build a new southern levee, and develop a trail system along the full levee system.
Extend WRVP
Extend the White River Vision Plan to incorporate Madison and Morgan Counties.
Emrichsville Dam
In May 2024, the City of Indy received a U.S Fish and Wildlife Service grant to remove Emrichsville Dam, with engineering and permitting to determine precise removal timeline.
Embrace Downtown
The Embrace Downtown Noblesville project is a multi-phase initiative aimed at revitalizing the city's historic downtown through critical infrastructure upgrades, enhanced pedestrian safety, and aesthetic improvements. Key elements include combined sewer separation, narrowing traffic lanes, widening sidewalks, adding green spaces, and implementing curbless street designs to create a more accessible and inviting environment.
Elements Redevelopment
Redevelopment of the former riverfront Willow Event Center in Broad Ripple into the Elements, a residential community with 168 apartments and 16 townhouses.
Crooked Creek Stream & Wetland Restoration
Restoration of the Crooked Creek stream and wetlands at the Marian EcoLab and adjacent portions of Riverside Park.
Conner Prairie – Conservation Campus
220-acres of protected land, developed on the west side of the river by Conner Prairie. Bringing research, education and best practices related to land, water, and energy innovation.
Coal Ash Pond Abatement
When coal ash ponds fail, they can pollute the river and local groundwater supplies.
Carmel White River Greenway
Extension of greenway to 146th Street, with a new river overlook, parking lot, and year-round restrooms.