What's Next For The Mounds Lake Reservoir Project?

Supporters of the Mounds Lake reservoir project near Anderson say the first few months of 2015 will be critical to the future of the $450 million project.

Rob Sparks, who leads the Madison County economic development corporation, says a second phase feasibility study due out early next year will include a ‘collective decision’ on whether or not the project will move ahead.

Environmental groups such as the Hoosier Environmental Council oppose the dam on the White River. They are pushing the idea of building a riverside trail that would draw tourism and spark development with less environmental harm.

Sparks says elected officials will then have to step up because his group cannot "take it to the next level."

The next step would be forming a 12-member commission of area leaders who Sparks says would plan for the development, financing and construction of the proposed 2,100-acre reservoir between Anderson and Muncie.