STATEHOUSE (Sept. 13, 2023) – State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) recently received the White River Alliance's Exceptional Commitment to Watershed Protection Award for his legislative efforts helping Indiana counties address local flooding, drainage and water quality issues.
Aylesworth at the 2023 Indiana Water Summit in August was recognized for authoring a new state law aiming to help Hoosier counties replicate the structure and success of the Kankakee River Basin and Yellow River Basin Development Commission. The local commission is made up of eight counties, which work together to tackle a wide range of water resource planning and development issues like bank stabilization, tree removal and channel reconstruction.
"It's an honor to receive this award, especially since it's in recognition of our work to address a very important issue impacting so many communities," Aylesworth said. "After the success of the Kankakee River Basin and Yellow River Basin Development Commission, it's clear that regional water planning is key to solving flooding and drainage issues. I look forward to seeing other commissions being formed and the impacts of the law coming to fruition."
As of July 1, counties sharing a watershed can form partnerships with approval from the Natural Resources Commission. Newly formed commissions will develop flood damage reduction and drainage plans, and can create water-quality improvement plans with approval by the state. The new commissions can also enter into agreements with cities or towns to boost efforts and funding support. According to Aylesworth, commissions will be governed by a board that includes DNR representatives, surveyors and county members.
The White River Alliance, host of the 6th annual Indiana Water Summit, is an organization committed to improving and protecting Indiana's water sources. Aylesworth, a member of the House Environmental Affairs Committee, at this year's summit joined award co-recipient State Sen. Susan Glick (R-LaGrange) and Matt Meersman with the St. Joseph River Basin Commission to host a discussion titled, "Watershed Development Commissions: What You Should Know – New Opportunities for Regional Water Management in Indiana."
For more information on the White River Alliance, visit thewhiteriveralliance.org. Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about Aylesworth's legislative efforts helping Indiana counties address local flooding, drainage and water quality issues.
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State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) represents House District 11,
which includes portions of Jasper, Lake, Newton and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) (left) receives the Exceptional Commitment to Watershed Protection Award from Jill Hoffmann, executive director of the White River Alliance, at the 2023 Water Summit Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023, in Indianapolis. The Hebron lawmaker and member of the House Environmental Affairs Committee was recognized for authoring a new law helping Indiana counties address local flooding, drainage and water quality issues.
