Budget committee OKs Falls of the Ohio improvements

INDIANAPOLIS –State Rep. Steve Stemler (D-Jeffersonville) announced today that a key budget panel has given final approval to a project that would make more than $1 million in improvements to the Interpretive Center at the Falls of the Ohio State Park.

Stemler said members of the State Budget Committee approved the proposal during the group’s monthly business meeting today at Indiana State University in Terre Haute.

“The Falls of the Ohio has long been one of the most popular attractions in Indiana, both as a place where students can get an up-close look at our state’s natural history and as a destination for tourists,” Stemler said.

“Many of the current exhibits are nearly 20 years old and are in need of total renovation and replacement,” he continued. “In addition, there is a general need to upgrade many parts of the facility, including utilities such as heating and air conditioning. This project also will give officials the chance to install new exhibits.

“Once completed, I believe this will enable the Falls of the Ohio to continue as a place to educate the public about the treasured past of our state, including the amazing records of fossils that once lived here,” Stemler concluded.

Today’s Budget Committee action freed up $400,000 in state general fund monies for the project. Stemler said those dollars will be matched by local donations and a grant from the James Graham Brown Foundation to cover the $1 million cost.