River Ridge Development Authority prioritizes higher wages on future projects
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Southern Indiana’s River Ridge Development Authority approved a wage cut-off for companies interested in purchasing land within the River Ridge Commerce Center at its September monthly meeting.
Applauded as a significant move for growing the local economy, before commercial land purchase is approved, the company would need to show that its projected average wage is greater than the current Clark County average wage.
“With today’s action, the Board of Directors is reinforcing River Ridge’s commitment to our region by ensuring that companies locating within the Commerce Center are creating quality jobs,” RRDA Executive Director Jerry Acy said. “It has always been our mission to provide residents throughout our community with the types of employment opportunities with which they can support themselves and their families.”
The average hourly rate for 2024 in the county is $24.44, according to the Indiana Economic Development Corp. The applicable average hourly wage will be determined on a yearly basis, the authority said.
“The River Ridge Development Authority Board of Directors today took a huge step in advancing quality job and career opportunities for labor throughout our region,” Southern Indiana Works President Tony Waterson said. “The River Ridge Commerce Center is one of the key drivers of our local and regional economy and their commitment to putting the needs of our region’s workforce first is commendable.”
The RRDA anticipates that these measures will contribute to a more balanced and equitable development process, aligning growth with the broader goals of community enhancement and economic health.
Created to counteract the loss of revenue from the defunct Indiana Army Ammunition Plant, the RRDA leads growth and economic development initiatives in the Louisville-Southern Indiana region. Serving as home to more than 80 companies, RRDA contributed an estimated $2.93 billion to the region’s economic output in 2023, supporting over 18,000 jobs.