New developments at River Ridge could bring massive economic impact to southern Indiana

CLARK COUNTY, Ind. (WDRB) — New developments are coming to the River Ridge Commerce Center in southern Indiana that will have massive economic impacts for the area.

The industrial park currently sits at 20 million square feet of development, has more than 80 businesses and 13,000 employees who work there every day.

Leaders with River Ridge Development Authority said they're usually in talks with more than 100 businesses every year. They said they're lucky if one or two of those end up moving in.

"With about 1,100 industrial acres available and about 300 office park acres, we've got a long future of seeing good things happen," said River Ridge Development Authority Chief Director Wendy Dant Chesser.

One of those businesses opening in the near future is the $800 million Meta data center.

Construction on it started at the beginning of 2024, and it's expected to be in operation before the end of this year.

That development has come with concerns from the community, mainly about the amount of water and energy the data center will use.

Dant Chesser said Meta has committed to a closed-loop water system which means it will recycle water. She said Meta also committed to buying green energy from Duke Energy.

"We'll be able to work with them on their annual reports to find out what their water usage is and whatever they're willing to share about their electric usage," said Dant Chesser.

Another new addition will be a Cheesecake Factory bakery and distribution center. This means workers will bake the cheesecakes in southern Indiana and then ship them to Cheesecake Factory restaurants across the country.

Communications Test Design Inc. is also building a third facility at River Ridge. Officials are hoping the 400 jobs that brings will boost the economy even more than the industrial park already has.

"In 2025 we reached a milestone with over $3.5 billion of economic impact not just for Clark County but the entire region. We're excited that we're a part of the growth of southern Indiana and we see that continuing for the next decade to come," said Dant Chesser.