Johnson County approves interlocal study of potential I‑65 interchange after farmers urge delay

Johnson County commissioners voted April 27 to approve an interlocal agreement with the City of Franklin to pursue an engineering evaluation of a potential I‑65 interchange at County Road 300 North, a move that drew sustained public opposition from nearby farmers who said the study would presage unwanted development.

The board approved the agreement after public comment from multiple landowners and a presentation of the study scope. Linda Norton, who said she represents four farm families including Crystal Spring Farm, told commissioners: "Bottom line is we do not want an interchange." Norton said the land is actively farmed, not for sale, and questioned using county funds for a $500,000 survey she said is premature.

Other farmers echoed Norton. "This is a first step towards development that will permanently change this area," said Coleman Campbell, a seventh‑generation farmer and member of the Johnson County Fair Board, who warned of added safety risks for moving large farm equipment. Willie McKernan, who said he is part owner of LaGrange Farm, asked county staff to explain exactly what the $500,000 study would cover.

A county official read the proposed HWC Engineering scope aloud: coordination with agencies and stakeholders, review of existing studies, on‑site field investigation, preliminary drainage assessment, development of horizontal/vertical alignment alternatives (two schematic alternates), preliminary right‑of‑way needs, utility impact assessment and preliminary cost estimates. "We'll make some determinations on whether it's feasible or not feasible and some of the consequences," the official said, describing the evaluation as an engineering feasibility study rather than an immediate construction plan.

Commissioners who supported the agreement framed the vote as a way to keep Johnson County at the table during long‑range planning. One commissioner said the project is "a long range project" with significant federal permitting and funding steps ahead and that county involvement helps protect local interests. Another said the county has repeatedly sought to participate in regional decisions so it can represent residents and limit adverse impacts.

The motion to approve the interlocal agreement carried by voice vote. Supporters said the study could take considerable time and does not itself authorize construction; opponents asked that the county wait until any property is being considered for sale or development.

Votes at a glance: the board also approved a set of routine and project items during the meeting, including permitting Discover Downtown Franklin to use county water access for a May event; reappointing members to the county 9‑1‑1 board; travel authorization for public safety staff to attend the APCO conference in San Antonio; awarding the Bridal 85 and Culvert P004 construction contract (total contract $1,517,573) to Duncan Robertson with a county construction share of roughly $671,356 and a related inspection contract with Crossroad Engineers; awarding the 2026 Millen Overlay project to Calumet Civil Contractors; awarding Kemmerling Construction the courthouse roof replacement pursuant to IC 36‑1‑12‑5; awarding Star Paving the Johnson County Park courts project; approving recorder and extension‑office training attendance; and approving claims and routine consent items.

What happens next: Commissioners said staff will continue work with Franklin and the engineering firm and provide details on scope and county costs; supporters emphasized the study is intended to clarify feasibility rather than to start construction. The board adjourned at the end of the meeting.