To add territory to a district already established, an RSD board must file its motion with the Indiana Department of Transportation (“INDOT”). Moreover, within 10 days of filing the motion with INDOT, the board must also file its motion with (1) the executive of each governmental entity having territory within the territory proposed to be added to the regional sewage district; and (2) the executive of a city or town having a municipal sewer or public sanitation department if the new regional sewer district territory includes territory within the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the municipal sewage works or public sanitation department. SEA 269’s authors hope to encourage more engagement by municipalities and better planning of their own sewer service territories.
SEA 269 also includes language that would require INDOT to consult with local governments before doing work on a state highway or bridge that would cause a detour. The increased collaboration should allow local units to offer input on traffic, maintenance, safety, and other concerns.