The Bloomington City Council is expressing its opposition to the Indiana LEAP pipeline project in Lebanon.
Council members narrowly approved a non-binding, symbolic resolution Wednesday against the pipeline.
The project is managed by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). It seeks to divert 100 million gallons of water daily from the Wabash River into the LEAP Innovation and Research District in Boone County.
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The IEDC hopes to attract large investments to the region, particularly from the tech sector. The pipeline is meant to bring more water to the Lebanon site to support the industrial projects the state wants to place there.
Governor Eric Holcomb paused the project until the Indiana Finance Authority completes a water study.
Council member Andy Ruff sponsored the ordinance with Dave Rollo. He says it’s meant to show solidarity with those concerned by the project.
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The measure passed with five ‘yes’ votes and four abstentions.
Mayor Kerry Thomson says she opposes the resolution because she worries it could harm the city’s relationship with the IEDC.
She adds she will not sign the resolution, or any not directly impacting Bloomington. Thomson must veto the resolution if she does not sign it.
The council can override a mayoral veto with a two-thirds majority vote.
