>> "INDIANA NEWSDESK" IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY: >>> COMING UP ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK," FRENCH LICK RESORT IS BUILDING NEW HOMES IN ORANGE COUNTY TO HELP ITS EMPLOYEES FIND AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN A TIGHT MARKET.

>> WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO RECRUIT TALENT, IF THEY CAN'T FIND A PLACE TO LIVE DOWN HERE, WELL, THEY WILL LOOK ELSEWHERE.

>> IT'S FIRST NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN FRENCH LICK IN MORE THAN 60 YEARS.

TOURISM IS BOOMING IN BROWN COUNTY, BUT THE TOWN OF NASHVILLE CAN'T RELY ON MUCH OF THE REVENUE GENERATED FROM IT, AND THAT MAKES FUNDING INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS DIFFICULT.

>> WE HAVE 1950 INFRASTRUCTURE IN 2022, AND WE DON'T HAVE 2022 REVENUES OR METHODS TO PAY FOR THAT.

>> AND WE VISIT GRIFFY LAKE NATURE PRESERVE, WHERE A NEARLY $2 MILLION PROJECT IS NEARING COMPLETION.

THOSE STORIES, PLUS THE LATEST NEWS HEADLINES, RIGHT NOW ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK"!

♪ >>> WELCOME TO "INDIANA NEWSDESK," I'M JOE HREN.

WELL, THE DEMOCRATS ARE PUTTING THE PRESSURE ON THEIR GOP COUNTERPARTS TO SUSPEND THE STATE'S GAS TAX.

THE TAX VARIES EVERY MONTH DEPENDING ON THE AVERAGE PRICE OF GALLON OF GAS.

THE STATE'S GAS TAX WILL INCREASE IN JUNE.

HOOSIERS ARE PAYING ONE OF THE HIGHEST TAX RATES IN THE COUNTRY.

>> STICKER SHOCK IS THE BEST WAY TO DESCRIBE IT IF YOU FILLED UP YOUR GAS TANK RECENTLY AND DEMOCRATS ARE ASKING THEIR REPUBLICAN COUNTERPARTS AT THE STATE HOUSE TO HELP ERASE THE BURDEN.

>> THERE'S NO REASON WHY THE STATE OF INDIANA SHOULDN'T STEP UP TO THE PLACE AND HELP PEOPLE.

AND I WOULD HOPE THAT THE GOVERNOR AND THE REPUBLICANS WILL GET ON BOARD AND SAY, HEY, WE WILL SUSPEND THIS TAX CREDIT.

>> THE AVERAGE PRICE OF A GALLON OF GAS IN INDIANA IS $4.52.

THAT'S AN INCREASE OF ALMOST 60 CENTS JUST IN THE PAST MONTH.

A LOT OF THAT CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE HIGH COST OF CRUDE OIL, BUT A SIGNIFICANT CHUNK IS ALSO TAXES.

THERE'S A 32-CENT STATE GAS TAX ON EVERY GALLON YOU FILL UP.

INDIANA IS ONE OF THE 16 STATES THAT IMPOSES A SALES TAX ON GASOLINE, BASED ON A STATEWIDE AVERAGE GAS PRICE.

FOR MAY THE RATE IS ABOUT 24 CENTS PER GALLON AND IT WILL GO UP IN JUNE.

A FEDERAL GAS TAX ADDS ANOTHER 18 CENTS A GALLON.

COMBINED ABOUT 75 CENTS PER GALLON OF WHAT YOU ARE PAYING AT THE PUMP ARE TAXES.

>> I THINK THAT ANY TIME THERE IS AN AUTOMATIC INCREASE OF SOMETHING, A TAX THAT'S GOING ON, IT CERTAINLY SHOULD HAVE TO BE VOTED ON EVERY YEAR.

I DON'T THINK WE SHOULD HAVE TAX INCREASES THAT HAPPEN JUST BECAUSE.

>> MOST OF INDIANA'S GAS TAX REVENUE GOES TO HELP BUILD AND MAINTAIN ROADS AND BRIDGES.

BUT DEMOCRATS ARGUE THAT THE STATE CAN REPLACE DOLLARS LOST DURING THE GAS TAX SUSPENSION WITH THE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS INDIANA HAS IN ITS BUDGET RESERVES.

DEMOCRATS ARE URGING THE GOVERNOR TO CALL A SPECIAL SESSION SO LAWMAKERS CAN PAUSE THE STATE TAXES THROUGH LABOR DAY.

FOR "INDIANA NEWSDESK," I'M KAYAN TARA.

>>> HIGH GAS PRICES AREN'T THE ONLY THING AFFECTING HOOSIERS THESE DAYS.

NATIONWIDE SHORTAGE OF INFANT FORMULA HAS PARENTS SCRAMBLING TO FIND FORMULA.

PRESIDENT BIDEN INVOKED THE DEFENSE PROTECTION ACT EARLIER THIS WEEK TO INCREASE PRODUCTION DOMESTICALLY AND THE BILL IS HEADING TO THE PRESIDENT'S DECEMBER THAT CAN IMPROVED ACCESS TO FORMULA FOR FAMILIES IN NEED.

ABBOTT INDUSTRY WHICH PRODUCES ABOUT 40% OF THE INFANT FORMULA CLOSED A PLANT IN FEBRUARY DUE TO CONTAMINATION.

WE'RE JOINED NOW BY DR. LAURA WATSON, A CLINICAL ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AT THE IUPUI COLUMBUS SCHOOL OF NURSING.

WELCOME TO THE SHOW, DOCTOR.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

GLAD TO BE HERE.

>> SO HOW IMPORTANT IS BREAST MILK OR FORMULA FOR INFANTS?

WHAT MAKES THIS SUCH A CRISIS?

>> WELL, FORMULA WAS DEVELOPED WITH SPECIFIC BALANCES OF NUTRIENTS DESIGNED TO ASSIST INFANTS TO GROW AND BE HEALTHY.

IT WAS DEVELOPED TO ENSURE THE CORRECT NEEDED AMOUNT OF THE NUTRIENTS WERE PROVIDED.

SO THEREFORE, THE CORRECT FORMULA IS VERY IMPORTANT TO INFANTS.

THE SHORTAGE IS CONCERNING AS THERE ARE MANY WOMEN WHO CANNOT BREAST FEED FOR DIFFERENT REASONS AND SO FORMULA IS THEIR ALTERNATIVE TO PROVIDING NUTRITION FOR THEIR INFANTS.

SO INFANTS ARE FED STRICTLY HUMAN MILK OR FORMULA UNTIL ABOUT SIX MONTHS OF AGE.

THEREFORE, A SHORTAGE OF FORMULA FOR THESE INFANTS IS VERY CONCERNING.

>> AS YOU TALK ABOUT THIS BEING AN ALTERNATIVE, BUT ARE THERE ALTERNATIVES TO FORMULA THAT MOTHERS CAN TURN TO?

>> THAT'S A GREAT QUESTION.

SO HUMAN MILK, OBVIOUSLY IS THE BEST METHOD FOR FEEDING INFANTS BUT FORMULA IS THE ALTERNATIVE TO THAT HUMAN MILK.

I'VE SEEN SEVERAL RECIPES ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR HOMEMADE BABY FORMULA RECIPES AND THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS ADVISES AGAINST USING HOMEMADE FORMULAS.

THERE ARE SPECIFIC COMPONENTS OF NUTRITION IN FORMULA, ESSENTIALLY FOR THE GROWTH AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF INFANTS.

FORMULA PROVIDES THOSE COMPONENTS.

SO IF THERE ARE SPECIFIC BRANDS OF FORMULA THAT ANON PANT USES THAT'S NOT AVAILABLE -- THAT AN INFANT USES THAT'S NOT AVAILABLE, IT'S BEEN STATED THAT IT'S OKAY TO SWITCH FORMULAS IF ANOTHER BRAND IS AVAILABLE.

IT'S ALSO ADVISED THAT -- NOT TO WATER DOWN THE FORMULA BECAUSE WATERING THAT DOWN DECREASES THE NUTRITIONAL VALUE AND IT CAUSES IMBALANCES IN THE INFANTS WHICH COULD LEAD TO SERIOUS HEALTH ISSUES.

ONE ALTERNATIVE IS THE HUMAN MILK BANKS.

MANY MOTHERS DONATE THEIR MILL TOCK THESE BANKS TO -- MILK TO THESE BANKS TO HELP OTHERS IN NEED.

ANOTHER RECOMMENDATION IS THAT YOU COULD REACH OUT TO FORMULA MANUFACTURER HOTLINES, COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND THERE ARE MANY MOM GROUPS ON SOCIAL MEDIA THAT MAYBE CAN PROVIDE SOME INFORMATION ABOUT WHERE OTHER FORMULAS CAN BE OBTAINED.

ALSO, YOU CAN ALWAYS SPEAK WITH THE BABY'S PEDIATRICIAN TO PROVIDE THOSE -- SOME MORE GUIDANCE.

>> WE JUST HAVE UNDER 30 SECONDS LEFT, DOCTOR.

DO YOU HAVE ANY -- DO YOU ENVISION ISSUES IN INFANT CARE, THOUGH, IF THE SHORTAGE PERSISTS?

>> WELL, THE HOPE IS THE SHORTAGE GETS CORRECTED SOON, AS WE HAVE ALREADY SPOKEN ABOUT IT BEING CORRECTED.

SO IF WE ALL WORK TOGETHER AND JUST BUY 10 TO 14 DAYS' SUPPLY OF FORMULA FOR YOUR INFANT, WE CAN ALL PROVIDE THAT NEED FOR OUR OWN FAMILIES.

>> DOCTOR, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING ON THE SHOW.

WE REALLY APPRECIATE IT.

>> THANK YOU.

>>> WELL, INDIANA'S TIGHT HOUSING MARKET IS A CHALLENGE NOT JUST IN CITIES BUT ALSO RURAL PARTS OF THE STATE.

ORANGE COUNTY'S LARGEST EMPLOYER, FRENCH LICK RESORTS IS BUILDING MORE THAN 70 HOMES TO HELP WITH THE AREA'S HOUSING SHORTAGE.

THE DEVELOPMENT IS IN ITS BEGINNING STAGES BUT SOME RESIDENTS HAVE ALREADY MOVED IN.

BENTE BOUTHIER REPORTS.

>> HOME CONSTRUCTION SURROUNDS SPRINGS VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL KATIE PIERCE, WHO MOVED INTO HER NEW HOUSE IN WEST BADEN SPRINGS JUST THREE WEEKS AGO.

HER'S IS ONE OF THE FIRST TO BE BUILT BY FRENCH LICK RESORT.

PIERCE IS FROM ORANGE COUNTY AND WANTED THE OPPORTUNITY TO COME BACK AND WORK.

SHE HAD BEEN SHOPPING FOR PLACES WITHOUT MUCH LUNCH.

>> REALLY, IF YOU WERE GOING TO BUY A HOME HERE, YOU HAD TO BUY A FIXER UPPER.

AND EVEN THOSE FIXER UPPERS WERE GOING TO BE $80,000 TO $100,000.

>> IN ORANGE COUNTY THE MEDIAN HOME LISTING PRICE IS $174,000.

CHEAPER THAN THE STATE'S MEDIAN WHICH IS $219,000.

BUT THE COUNTY'S 12% POVERTY RATE IS HIGHER THAN THE STATE'S 9%.

AND NEARLY 20% OF ORANGE COUNTY'S HOUSING WAS BUILT BEFORE 1940, WHICH ISN'T UNUSUAL FOR INDIANA'S RURAL AREAS.

SHE DIDN'T WANT TO SINK MONEY INTO HOME REPAIRS.

HER REALTOR SUGGESTED SHE TAKE A LOOK AT THE HOUSES FRENCH LICK RESORT WAS WORKING ON.

>> SO I DROVE BY THAT SAME NIGHT THAT HE HAD MENTIONED IT AND THIS WAS AN OPEN HOUSE.

SO I CALLED MY MOM, I SAID, HEY, MOM, LET'S GO LOOK AT THIS OPEN HOUSE.

SO WE STOPPED.

CRYSTAL PAINTER HAD GIVEN ME A FOLDER AND I WAS ABLE TO APPLY THAT NIGHT.

I GOT MY MORTGAGE PREAPPROVED ONLINE.

I HAD THE APPLICATION SENT OVER AND WAS READY TO ROLL THAT SAME NIGHT THAT I WENT AND LOOKED AT THE HOUSE.

>> COOK GROUP IS THE PARENT COMPANY OF THE FRENCH LICK RESORT.

ANYONE CAN APPLY TO LIVE IN THE HOMES, AS LONG AS THEY ARE EMPLOYED LOCALLY.

CRYSTAL PAINTER SAYS IT'S THE FIRST DEVELOPMENT TO COME UP IN THE COMMUNITY IN MORE THAN 60 YEARS.

>> I THINK THAT'S JUST SOMETHING THAT YOU'RE GOING TO FIND IN RURAL AMERICA, UNFORTUNATELY.

THE TOWNS HAVE BEEN BUILT OUT, AND THEN WE HAVE FARMLAND AND ACREAGE THAT'S OWNED BY PEOPLE THAT MAYBE WEREN'T SO WILLING TO SELL THAT LAND, BUT AS THINGS ARE CHANGING, AND, YOU KNOW, THE TOWN IS GROWING AND OUR COUNTY IS GROWING, I THINK THOSE CONVERSATIONS ARE STARTING TO HAPPEN.

>> HER ORGANIZATION HAS BEEN ACTING AS THE REALTOR FOR THE HOMES AND HELPS MATCH BUYERS WITH LOCAL LENDERS.

THE HOUSES WILL VARY A LITTLE IN SIZE BUT WILL ALL HAVE THREE BEDROOMS, TWO BATHROOMS AND A TWO CAR GARAGE, GOING FOR $155,000.

>> I THINK THE SHORT-TERM IMPACT IS GETTING OUR EXISTING COMMUNITY INTO STABLE AND SECURE HOUSING, HOUSING THAT THEY CAN BE PROUD OF AND GROW THEIR FAMILIES IN.

I THINK LONG TERM, IT'S GOING TO BE A GOOD RECRUITMENT TOOL FOR OUR EMPLOYERS.

>> THE MADE SELLING ONE HOUSE GETS INVESTED INTO BUILDING THE NEXT ONE AND SO ON.

FOR EVERY 100 NEW JOBS CREATED, ONLY 28 NEW HOUSING UNITS ARE BUILT.

THAT COMPARES TO 56 NEW UNITS NATIONALLY.

CHUCK FRANZ SAYS THAT ALIGNS WITH FEEDBACK THE COMPANY GOT FROM ITS EMPLOYEES WHO SAID FINDING LOCAL HOUSING WAS NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE.

>> I MEAN, YOU ARE HEARING THIS FROM YOUR EXISTING EMPLOYEES, BUT THINK ABOUT RECRUITMENT.

WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO RECRUIT TALENT, MAYBE IN OUR CASE, CULINARY TALENT FROM LOUISVILLE OR HOSPITALITY PEOPLE GRADUATING FROM PURDUE OR INDIANA UNIVERSITY, IF THEY CAN'T FIND A MACE TO LIVE DOWN HERE -- A PLACE TO LIVE DOWN HERE, WELL, THEY WILL LOOK ELSEWHERE.

>> A REGIONAL OPPORTUNITIES INITIATIVE STUDY EXAMINING THE HOUSING CONDITIONS IN THE REGION SHOWS THAT AN INCREASING NUMBER EVER RESIDENTS IN ITS 11 COUNTY AREA OF STUDY ARE COMMUTING OUT FOR WORK.

FRANZ SAYS CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA WILL TAKE INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT LIKE ROADS AND SEWERS THAT HE DOESN'T HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO BUILD ON HIS OWN.

THEY PLAN TO BUILD ANOTHER SMALLER DEVELOPMENT IN FRENCH LICK NEAR THE RESORT.

PIERCE SAYS NOW THAT SHE'S MOVED IN, SHE'S READY TO ROOT HERSELF IN THE COMMUNITY AND DEVELOP HER PROFESSIONAL LIFE.

SHE SAID WITHOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY, SHE WOULD BE RENTING SOMEWHERE OR LIVING WITH HER PARENTS LOOKING FOR A MACE.

>> PLACE.

>> SO LIVING HERE IS SO SURREAL.

I'M LIKE, OH, I HAVE A HOUSE.

>> FOR "INDIANA NEWSDESK," I'M BENTE BOUTHIER.

>> COOK GROUP IS PLANNING A SIMILAR DEVELOPMENT FOR OWEN COUNTY WITH CONSTRUCTION STARTING AS EARLY AS THIS FALL.

>>> WELL, THE STATE FOUND HARMFUL PFAS.

INDIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING'S REBECCA THIELE REPORTS, WHILE NONE OF THE UTILITIES HAD PFAS ABOVE THE FEDERAL ADVISORY LEVEL THIS' STILL CAUSE FOR CONCERN.

>> BECAUSE ALL OF THE UTILITIES HAD PFAS BELOW THE FEDERAL ADVISORY LEVEL, THE STATE IS NOT REQUIRING THEM TO TAKE ACTION RIGHT NOW BUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY IS EXPECTED TO SET LIMITS FOR HOW MUCH PFAS ARE ALLOWED IN DRINKING WATER SOON.

INDIANA UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR LISA KAMENDULIS STUDIES THE EFFECTS OF PFAS AND SITS ON THE ADVISORY BOARD FOR THE CHEMICALS.

THOSE LIMITS COULD END UP BEING A LOT LOWER THAN THE ADVISORY LEVELS.

>> SO OTHER STATES ARE BEING A LITTLE BIT MORE AGGRESSIVE IN HOW THEY ARE ATTACKING THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY DO UNDERSTAND THAT THERE ARE HEALTH EFFECTS, ADVERSE HEALTH CONSEQUENCES FROM.

POSURE TO THESE CHEMICALS AT VERY LOW LEVELS.

>> MOST OF THE UTILITIES THAT HAVE PFAS IN THEIR WATER WERE IN SOUTHERN AND CENTRAL INDIANA, LIKE TENNYSON WATER IN WARRICK COUNTY.

FOR INDIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING, I'M REBECCA THIELE.

>>> THE STATE WILL TEST LARGER UTILITIES NEXT YEAR.

KAMENDULIS SAYS PEOPLE WITH PRIVATE DRINKING WATER WELLS SHOULD GET THEM TESTED FOR PFAS.

>>> A JUDGE DISMISSED ALL CHARGES AGAINST VAUHXX BOOKER, SEANSEAN PURDY AND JERRY COX ON THURSDAY.

THEY WERE INVOLVED IN A RACIALLY CHARGED INCIDENT AT LAKE MONROE BACK IN 2020.

>> EVERYONE REALIZED WITH ALL THE RACIAL TENSIONS THAT HAVE BEEN GOING ON IN OUR COUNTRY, THAT TRYING TO RESOLVE THIS KIND OF SITUATION THROUGH A CRIMINAL TRIAL WAS NOT EVER GOING TO PRODUCE A VERY GOOD OUTCOME.

>> IT'S FIRST TIME A CRIMINAL CASE IN THE STATE HAS BEEN RESOLVED USING RESTORATIVE JUSTICE.

BOOKER TOOK TO FACEBOOK IN JULY OF 2020 POSTING A VIDEO AND DESCRIBING WHAT HE SAYS WAS AN ATTEMPTED LYNCHING BY A GROUP OF WHITE MEN.

THE POST GARNERED NATIONAL MEDIA COVERAGE AT THE TIME.

>>> THE FDA AUTHORIZED A COVID-19 BOOSTER SHOT FOR HEALTHY 5 TO 11-YEAR-OLDS THIS WEEK.

OFFICIALS ARE HOPING THE EXTRA DOSE VACCINE WILL ENHANCE THIS AGE GROUP'S INFECTION AS INFECTIONS RISE AGAIN.

>> AND WE DO HAVE A VERY EFFECTIVE VACCINE AND IT'S BEING ANALYZED AND LOOKED AT VERY CAREFULLY, ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG KIDS.

>> THE CDC MUST NOW DECIDE WHETHER TO FORMALLY RECOMMEND THE BOOSTER FOR THIS AGE GROUP.

>>> COMING UP NEXT ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK," NASHVILLE'S TOURISM INDUSTRY IS BOOMING, BUT OFFICIALS CAN'T COUNT ON IT TO FUND THE GROWING NEEDS.

AND A NEW WALKING PATH AND FISHING PIER ARE NEW AMENITIES AT GRIFFY LAKE JUST NORTH OF BLOOMINGTON.

TEASE THESETHESE STORIES AND MORE, RIGHT HERE ON "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

>>> WELCOME BACK TO "INDIANA NEWSDESK."

U.S. ECONOMIC SANCTIONS ON RUSSIA DUE TO ITS CONTINUED INVASION OF UKRAINE COULD OPEN UP INDIANA UTILITIES TO CYBER ATTACKS.

INDIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING'S REBECCA THIELE REPORTS, AN INDIANA UNIVERSITY EXPERT SAYS HACKERS COULD CAUSE ELECTRICITY SHUTOFFS CAUSING ANXIETY.

>> LAST BREAK, HACKERS HELD ACCESS TO A LARGE OIL AND GAS PIPELINE FOR RANSOM.

AND A FEW YEARS AGO RUSSIAN SPIES TRIED TO GAIN CONTROL OF A KANSAS NUCLEAR POWER PLAN.

VON WELCH IS THE DIRECTOR OF I.U.

CENTER FOR CYBERSECURITY RESEARCH.

HE SAYS HACKERS USED TO BE MORE FINANCIALLY MOTIVATED TARGETING THINGS LIKE CREDIT CARDS AND SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS, BUT THESE MILLLY MOTIVATED ATTACKS -- POLITICALLY-MOTIVATED ATTACKS ARE BECOMING MORE COMMON.

>> WOULD PROBABLY HAVE THE GOAL OF CAUSING A SHUTDOWN OF THOSE UTILITIES FOR SOME PERIOD OF TIME.

A LOT OF DISRUPTION.

GET A LOT OF NOISE IN MEDIA AND HOPE TO SORT OF CAUSE ANXIETY HERE ABOUT OUR INVOLVEMENT IN THE SANCTIONS AGAINST RUSSIA.

>> WELCH SAYS THAT'S WHY IT'S IMPORTANT FOR UTILITIES TO PREPARE FOR CYBER ATTACKS BY PRACTICING WHAT THEY WOULD DO IF THEIR COMPUTER SYSTEMS WENT DOWN.

>>> WE HAVE SEEN EVERYTHING FROM UTILITIES TO EVEN SCHOOLS AND HOSPITALS BECOME THE VICTIMS.

SO UNFORTUNATELY, THIS IS THE NEW REALITY, I THINK FOR A WHILE.

>> WELCH SAYS PEOPLE WHO GET SOLAR PANELS ON THEIR ROOF COULD HELP THE GRID BECOME MORE RESILIENT TO A CYBER ATTACK OF THE JUST ABOUT ANY SYSTEM THAT RELIES ON A COMPUTER COULD BE VULNERABLE.

FOR "INDIANA NEWSDESK," I'M REBECCA THIELE.

>>> NOW, IN A STATEMENT INDIANA'S LARGEST ELECTRIC SUPPLIER, DUKE ENERGY SAYS IT HAS A DEDICATED CYBERSECURITY TEAM, CONDUCTED MULTIPLE CYBERSECURITY DRILLS EVERY YEAR, AND SHARES BEST PRACTICES WITH PEER UTILITIES.

>>> THE BROWN COUNTY PLAY HOUSE OPENED ALMOST 73 YEARS AGO WITH A STAGE AND DIRT FLOOR.

NOW IT BOOSTS A NEW LIGHT AND SOUND SYSTEM AND BIGGER STAGE AND OTHER AMENITIES.

NASHVILLE'S TOURISM INDUSTRY HAS EXPANDED OVER THE YEARS BUT OFFICIALS CAN'T COUNT ON IT TO FUND THE TOWN'S NEEDS.

ON ONE OF NASHVILLE'S BUSINESS EEST STREETS, A BIG PART OF THE TOWN'S TOURISM INDUSTRY IS GROWING.

THE BROWN TAUNTY BROWN COUNTY PLAYHOUSE USED DOWN TIME DURING COVID-19 TO IMPROVE THE FACILITY.

>> WE HAD AN ACROBAT TEAM NOT LONG AGO HANGING FROM THE RAFTERS.

SO WE CAN OFFER A LOT OF THINGS.

>> ONCE RUN BY INDIANA UNIVERSITY'S SUMMER THEATER, THE NONPROFIT IS BOOKING MORE CONCERTS AND SHOWS.

THE TICK SALES SALE -- THE TICKET SALES BARELY COVER THE ACTS.

THEY USE FUND-RAISING EFFORTS TO PAY THE $15,000 MONTHLY BILLS.

THAT DOESN'T LEAF PLAY HOUSE STAFF MUCH LEFT TO PAY FOR OTHER THINGS.

THEY HOPE TO GET SOME OF THE COUNTY'S INNKEEPERS TAX MONEY TO FUND A MARKING MARKETING BUDGET.

THE INNKEEPERS TAX IS USED TO PROMOTE TOURISM, INCLUDING THE NEW 2,000 SEAT BROWN COUNTY MUSIC CENTER AND THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE TAX PAYS FOR PUBLIC REST ROOMS AND PARKING.

THAT DOESN'T LEAVE MUCH TO FUND CITY SERVICES.

A FULL MUSIC CENTER ALMOST DOUBLES THE TOWN'S POPULATION.

>> AND YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE TO PROVIDE EXTRA WATER TO THEM.

YOU WILL HAVE INCREASED CAPACITY NEEDS FOR YOUR SEWAGE TREATMENT PLAN.

WHO PAYS FOR THAT?

>> CROCKER SAYS THE BURDEN LAYS ON THE TOWN'S RESIDENTS.

>> THE MONEY IT GENERATES DOESN'T REALLY FALL OVER INTO SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY.

SINCE IT'S A NONPROFIT.

THEY DON'T PAY PROPERTY TAXES.

AND ANY OF THEIR PROFITS, NONE OF THAT GOES BACK INTO THE TOURISM INDUSTRY.

>> THE TOWN GREW ONLY A FEW HUNDRED PEOPLE FROM A DECADE AGO, NOT ENOUGH TO INCREASE THE TAX BASE TO FUND INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS.

>> IF WE CAN'T SOMEHOW SUPPORT THE PEOPLE THAT LIVE HERE, THEN WE CAN'T SUPPORT THE TOURISM EITHER.

>> A FIRE RIPPED THROUGH A COUPLE DOWNTOWN SHOPS IN MARCH.

THE TOWN'S VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO CONTAIN THE FIRE, BUT CROCKER SAID THIS TIME THEY WERE LUCKY.

>> WE'RE ALL SMUSHED IN HERE INTO THE TOWN.

SO IF ONE BUILDING BURNS, ANOTHER BUILDING BURNS, ANOTHER BUILDING BURNS.

AGAIN, IF IT HAD BEEN WINDY THAT DAY, IT COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE.

>> THE TOWN WOULD LIKE TO SWITCH TO A FIRE TERRITORY, BUT THAT TAKES MONEY TOO.

BROWN COUNTY HAS A 2.52% INCOME TAX RATE, 11th HIGHEST IN THE STATE.

>> TOURISM DOES BRING JOBS, BUT CROCKER SAYS THE MEAN INCOME OF A NASHVILLE RESIDENT IS 19% BELOW POVERTY LEVEL AND MUNICIPAL CONSULTANT DAX NORTON IS LOOKING AT MILLIONS IN WATER AND SEWER MAINTENANCE WORK.

>> AND THERE'S ONLY ONE WAY TO RAISE THAT REVENUE AND THAT'S TO RAISE RATES.

BUT HOW ELSE ARE WE GOING TO DO THIS?

>> NORTON SAYS THE NEW FEDERAL INFRASTRUCTURE BILL WILL BRING A LOT OF MONEY TO THE STATE IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS AND THE TOWN IS WORKING TO QUALIFY FOR IT.

AND THE TOWN COULD GAIN A BIG CUSTOMER.

BROWN COUNTY STATE PARK IS LOOKLY TO FULLY CONNECT TO NASHVILLE'S UTILITIES.

>> WE HAVE 1950 INFRASTRUCTURE IN 2022, AND WE DON'T HAVE 2022 REVENUES OR METHODS TO PAY FOR THAT.

YOU CAN'T GO INTO TOO MUCH DEBT BECAUSE THE CONSTITUTIONAL DEBT LIMITS.

SO YOU ARE KIND OF STUCK.

>> THE TOWN ALSO HAS A HARD TIME DRAWING A LARGE INDUSTRY TAX BASE DUE TO THE TERRAIN AND UTILITY CAPACITY.

NORTH OP SAYS THE TOWN AND COUNTY ARE PARTNERING TO WORK ON BICYCLE PEDESTRIAN INFRASTRUCTURE AND SIDEWALK CONNECTIVITY.

GAVARA SAYS THE INDIANA LEGISLATURE TIGHTLY CONTROLS WHAT LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CAN DO WHICH GREATLY AFFECTS HOW SMALL TOWNS CAN RAISE REVENUE.

AND THE PRIORITY NOW IS TO CUT TAXES.

>> RATHER THAN SAYING IS THERE ANYTHING THAT WE CAN DO TO HELP LOCAL COMMUNITIES MORE WITH SOME OF THE CHALLENGES THEY ARE FACING, THEIR CHOICE IS TO SAY, LET'S PUT IT IN THE HANDS OF TAXPAYERS.

>> INDIANA COLLECTED NEARLY $1 BILLION MORE IN TAXES LAST MONTH THAN THE STATE BUDGET PROJECTED.

THAT PUTS INDIANA ON PACE FOR BUDGET RESERVES THAT COULD TOP $6 BILLION.

>> THE PEOPLE OF THIS TOWN WANT TO KEEP IT A SMALL TOWN.

THEY LOVE THEIR SMALL TOWN.

BUT UNLESS WE GROW, OR UNLESS WE DO SOMETHING CREATIVE TO BRING MONEY IN, WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO SUPPORT THE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR A SMALL TOWN.

>> AND IF YOU HAVE GONE OUT TO GRIFFY LAKE LATELY, YOU LIKELY NOTICED A LOT OF CONSTRUCTION WORK ALONG THE CAUSEWAY.

BUT THAT'S NOT THE ONLY IMPROVEMENTS AT THE NATURE PRESERVE NORTH OF BLOOMINGTON.

PAT BEANE HAS THIS REPORT.

>> HEADLEY ROAD HAS BEEN REPAVED.

A GUARDRAIL INSTALLED AND A NEW WALKWAY ADDED ALONG THE LAKE.

BUT ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MAY BE THE NEW FISHING PIER.

THEY ARE ALL PART OF THE $1.85 MILLION OF THE GRIFFY LOOP TRAIL AND THE FISHING PIER.

>> EVEN THOUGH THIS PROJECT IS NOT COMPLETED, WE HAVE SEEN PLENTY OF PEOPLE FISHING FROM BOTH THE PIER AND THE FISHING SPOTS THAT ARE SORT OF BUMP OUTS FROM THE TRAIL INTO THE LAKE.

>> THE PIER IS LOCATED ACROSS THE ROAD FROM THE BOATHOUSE.

IT WILL BE ACCESSIBLE VIA A NEW PAVED WALKWAY THAT ALLOWS HAKERS ACCESS ON THE NORTH SIDE AND THE SOUTH.

>> PEOPLE ARE OUT HERE IN THE DARK QUITE OFTEN, AND A LOT OF DRIVERS JUST AREN'T EXPECTING PEOPLE ON THE ROAD.

SO WE'RE EAGER TO GET PEOPLE OFF THE ROAD ON A SAFE WAY TO GET TO THE TRAILS.

>> THE HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE WALKWAY WILL SERVE AS A CONNECTOR ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE LAKE FOR WHAT WILL BE A SIX PLUS MILE GRIFFY LAKE LOOP TRAIL.

THE NEW TRAIL WILL EVENTUALLY CIRCLE THE LAKE USING EXISTING TRAILS ON THE NORTH AND THE SOUTH SIDES ALONG WITH SOME NEW TRAIL CONSTRUCTION.

NONE OF THE TRAILS NOW ON BOTH SIDES OF THE LAKE ALLOW YOU TO COMPLETELY LOOP THE LAKE, UNLESS YOU GET A LITTLE CREATIVE.

>> PEOPLE DO MAKE THEIR WAY AROUND THE LAKE, HOWEVER, IT'S VERY TREACHEROUS IN SPOCK.

THERE'S -- IN SPOTS.

THERE'S SOME EXPOSED BEDROCK THAT MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO KEEP YOUR FOOTING.

>> FUNDING FOR THIS PHASE OF THE PROJECT CAME OUT OF THE $10 MILLION BOND APPROVED IN 2018.

ALTHOUGH HE SAYS PLANS FOR THE PROJECT DATE BACK TO 1983.

WHILE THIS PORTION OF THE PROJECT IS NEARING COMPLETION, THERE'S MORE WORK TO GO DONE.

COMMISSIONERS APPROVED A $6 MILLION BOND THAT INCLUDES MONEY TO COMPLETE THE LOOP ON THE WEST END WHERE THE DAM IS LOCATED.

>> THAT WILL INCLUDE STAIRS UP FROM THE PARKING LOT OF THE DAM TO THE TOP OF THE DAM, AND THEN A NEW SURFACE ACROSS THE DAM AND SOME FENCING AND SIGNAGE, AND THEN THERE WILL BE TRAILS CUT ON THE NORTH SIDE AND THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE LAKE TO LINK UP EXISTING TRAILS TO ALLOW FOR A CONTIGUOUS LOOP.

>> COTTER SAYS THE SECOND PHASE OF THE PROJECT SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF 2023.

THE INITIAL PHASE WILL BE DONE THIS SUMMER AND THE CITY IS PLANNING A RIBBON CUTTING FOR THE NEW PIER ON NOVEMBER 29th.

ONCE FINISHED THERE'S MORE REASONS TO ENJOY GRIFFY.

>> I THINK PEOPLE REALLY APPRECIATE BEING ABLE TO GET OFF WORK OR OUT OF CLASS AND MAKE IT OUT HERE IN AN EVENING WITHOUT HAVING TO GO ALL THE WAY DOWN TO LAKE MONROE OR OUT TO A STATE PARK OR SOMETHING.

SO AS A COMMUNITY, WE'RE VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE IT, AND WE'RE TRYING TO TAKE GOOD CARE OF IT.

>> FOR "INDIANA NEWSDESK," I'M PAT BEANE.

>>> THAT'S THE END OF THIS PROGRAM, BUT OUR WORK CONTINUES ONLINE AS WE COVER THE NEWS THROUGHOUT THE WEEK AT WTIUNEWS.ORG.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND.

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