The Henry County Planning Commission voted to certify a favorable recommendation for the Henry County Technology Park planned unit development (PUD) and forward the matter to the county commissioners after a lengthy presentation and public Q&A on water use, power generation, noise, road impacts and decommissioning.

Project representatives described the PUD as adding restrictions beyond existing zoning, including a prohibition on on-site wells to prevent single-use open-loop cooling systems. They said the PUD would set “guardrails” to shape future companies’ behavior and, if accepted, the developers would market the site to users who agree to those restrictions. The presenters also said they would fund on-site generation, transmission and electrical infrastructure and expected to pay for water/sewer extensions and upgrades rather than having those costs fall to Henry County taxpayers.

Commissioners pressed developers on multiple points: whether Knightstown or Shirley would supply water; the need to upgrade Knightstown’s wells and the estimated cost of extending and improving water/sewer infrastructure (developers estimated roughly $20 million to $30 million); who would control the substation and how excess generation might be integrated into the grid; and the potential for long-term cleanup or decommissioning if facilities fail. Developers said they are working with TC Energy and Ohio Valley Gas for natural gas capacity, have discussed interconnection with Henry County REMC and Hoosier Energy, and will follow air-permitting processes with IDEM and the EPA.

Commissioners also raised the idea of covenant language attached to deeds (to lock in water- and cooling-related restrictions). Developers said they support covenant language in principle but asked to time such covenants to avoid unintentionally burdening a future farmer if the PUD use does not materialize; they also noted a statutory timeframe on approvals (an 18-month horizon mentioned in discussion) that influences timing.

After discussion the commission moved and seconded certification of a favorable recommendation. During roll-call the majority voted in favor; the transcript indicates the commission’s favorable recommendation passed with seven yes votes and one no. The chair confirmed the recommendation, noting it carries the conditions and commitments the developers presented at the meeting. The planning commission’s favorable recommendation will be considered by the Henry County commissioners at a later date.