Over 700 Indiana public schools will have their drinking water tested for lead contamination this summer.

The Indiana Finance Authority sold $244 million worth of tax-exempt private activity bonds in 2014 on behalf of I-69 Development Partners, the 21-mile section's private developer.

The Indiana Finance Authority will offer free drinking water tests at all of the state's public schools.

New members of the finance team will be in place on Jan. 9.

Utilities reported replacing and upgrading distribution pipes, water treatment plants and fire hydrants are among their most pressing needs.

The final contract must still be negotiated, then approved by the Finance Authority and the State Budget Committee.

A private developer says his attempts to work with Indiana on an $80 million hotel-restaurant project near the new east end bridge over the Ohio River have received little reception.