Congresswoman Houchin Secures $ 2,000,000 for Shoreline Protection in Clark County!
Key beginning to protect the south shore of Origin Park!
U. S. Rep. Erin Houchin, a Republican representing Indiana’ s 9th District, announced last month that $ 2 million in federal funding has been secured in order to protect the shoreline.
“ This is very important to Origin Park,” stated Dennis Schnurbusch, CEO of River Heritage Conservancy, the organization building Origin Park.
“ The Vista at Origin Park, a $ 20 million investment opening in May, depends on protecting the park’ s southern border, which also serves as the main entrance to The Vista,” stated Schnurbusch.
Kevin Baity, Town Manager of Clarksville, stated that,“ For many years, the north shoreline of the Ohio River has continued to erode, destroying streets, recreational facilities, and historical artifacts. We have lost direct access to rescue boats, impacting emergency services. Previous temporary stabilization efforts were unsuccessful, and studies show that altering water currents through Bendway Weirs is the most effective solution. We strongly encourage the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers to implement similar prevention methods to protect our community.”
Houchin announced $ 2 million in community project funding for the McAlpine Shoreline Protection Project. She said this was included in the 2026 fiscal year Energy and Water Appropriations Bill that was signed into law earlier this year.
“ The shoreline is one of Clark County’ s greatest assets. It supports recreation, tourism, local business and the quality of life that makes Southern Indiana such a special place to work and live,” she said. Houchin said erosion and flooding are“ real threats.” She said that 100 yards of land has been lost to the Ohio River since the McAlpine lock was installed in 1963.
This money will go to the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers to develop a comprehensive stabilization plan.
“ She took action, and because of her leadership, we’ ve been able to take a significant step forward in making sure that this project is addressed to protect this landscape,” Schnurbusch said about Houchin.