From the Whitewater Valley
Statehouse Update: Metamora Funding Moves Forward
Cassie Garrett
Senate Bill 57, authored by Senator Jean Leising, which would transfer management of Indiana’s historic sites back to the Department of Natural Resources, passed out of committee today and will next head to the appropriations process. During the hearing, senators across the committee took the issue seriously, openly expressing frustration and concern over long-term underfunding and the challenges of preserving historic sites without adequate resources.
Most importantly, it was announced during the hearing that the $7 million matching grant for Metamora and the Whitewater Canal State Historic Site is expected to be released within the week, a move that would unlock the State of Indiana’s $7 million allocation already approved by the General Assembly. Taken together, that means approximately $14 million in funding for long-overdue repairs at Metamora should be moving forward very soon.
While discussions continue about whether site management should change, one thing became clear during the hearing: the funding is coming. Regardless of the outcome of Senate Bill 57, the financial commitment to preserving Metamora and the Whitewater Canal State Historic Site is advancing.
Whitewater Canal Scenic Byway’s Gateway Park
Cassie Garrett
Welcome to Gateway Park where history, creativity, and community come together. Located along the Whitewater Canal Scenic Byway, this site is home to our visitors’ pavilion, campground, and historic train depot.
We’re excited to share the Whitewater Canal Scenic Byway Visitors Pavilion, which is planned to open this May. It will feature:
- Local artisan displays from across Ripley, Franklin, Dearborn, Fayette, Union, and Wayne counties
- Information on what to see and do throughout the Byway and then sending visitors to local tourism offices for a more tailored experience
- Stories and history of the Whitewater Canal and the Whitewater Valley
We are currently seeking local artisans to feature their work in the Pavilion. If you create something special and would like to be part of this regional showcase, please send us a private message for details. Space is limited.
We are also seeking volunteers to help staff the Pavilion. We’re a small, all-volunteer board, and we’ll start with Saturday hours, with the goal of opening on Sundays as more volunteers join us. If you enjoy meeting visitors, sharing local history, or supporting the arts and tourism, we would love to hear from you. Just send us a private message.
Inside the Pavilion, visitors will also be able to view beautifully hand-built scale models created by local historian and former WCBA board member Paul Baudendistel. These detailed models depict the aqueduct, canal boat, Mill Park, and a canal lock, bringing the remarkable story of the Whitewater Canal to life.
Be sure to keep an eye on our Facebook page as we share more about the campground and the historic train depot.