Sullivan County Approves $65 Billion Industrial Megaproject

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Sullivan County officials have approved a transformative $65 billion development plan to convert the Heartland Industrial Park into a major industrial campus focused on attracting advanced technology, data centers, light manufacturing, and large-scale logistics. The multi-phase project is one of the largest economic development initiatives in Indiana's history, with plans to overhaul local infrastructure and create thousands of construction and permanent jobs.

Why it matters

This historic investment represents a major shift for the regional economy, positioning Sullivan County to become a prime destination for 'new-age' industries in the Midwest. The inclusion of data centers is particularly notable, as Indiana has recently emerged as a top market for server farms due to low energy costs and favorable tax incentives.

The details

The $65 billion Heartland Industrial Park development plan includes a complete overhaul of local infrastructure, such as new heavy-duty access roads, utility upgrades for high-power data centers, and expanded municipal water and sewer services. County officials anticipate a 'job explosion' in two waves - first with high-paying construction and trade jobs, followed by permanent roles in technology, engineering, and logistics as businesses begin moving into the campus. The strategic location, with easy access to major rail lines and highways, has long made the Heartland site an attractive option for industrial development.

• County commissioners have already approved the foundational agreements necessary to begin the early phases of the build-out.
• The first phase of site preparation is set to begin as infrastructure reaches the Heartland Industrial Park.

What’s next

As infrastructure reaches the Heartland Industrial Park, Sullivan County's economic development team will begin aggressively courting global tech and manufacturing firms to anchor the new campus.