Terre Haute Airport Staff Excited About New Commercial Corridor

TERRE HAUTE, Ind.–The creation of a new commercial corridor along State Road 46 is making community leaders in the Wabash Valley optimistic about their economic future.

It’s on the east side of Terre Haute and near the Terre Haute Regional Airport.

“We brought everyone together and said, ‘Hey, how are we going to take advantage of potentially 1 million new visitors to our community every year, whether it be wayfinding, beautification or how we really turn this airport into a true aerotech park,” said Rachel Leslie, president of the Terre Haute airport’s board of directors, in an interview with Inside Indiana Business.

They have already announced their intention to apply for the state’s $500 million Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI).

“Our READI application will be inclusive with a lot of different things, not just on 46, but in the region. These other counties are doing some great things to take advantage of all that is happening in Vigo County,” said Leslie. “We are really a hot spot for tourism and we’re going to start telling that story in a whole new way.”

Rick Burger, airport board secretary, said the potential with this is overwhelming.

“When we’re talking about this, we’re not just talking Terre Haute. We’re talking all of Wabash Valley for our opportunities for potential growth. In the next couple of months, you’re going to see some great things happening,” said Burger.

Leslie said the Wabash Valley is ready to take advantage of future economic opportunities.

The airport staff has been collecting input from the community. They say a plan will be put into action soon.