Campbell’s Catch Up: Monthly Update for October
Welcome to Campbell’s Catch Up, my new monthly newsletter, where I will provide legislative and community updates for you as your state representative for West Lafayette. Please reach out to my office at h26@iga.in.gov if you have any questions or concerns or thoughts on what you’d like to see in this newsletter.
Dear neighbor,
On September 21, the Indiana Economic Development Commission (IEDC) released the executive summary of the tests on the Wabash River’s alluvial aquifer.
A finite natural resource, fresh water is vital for individual health, agricultural development and the local environment. The Wabash River and its groundwater system is a symbol of our community, and it needs our protection. Yesterday, the IEDC released an executive summary containing its test results on the aquifer. It was commissioned by the IEDC, and the study was performed by INTERA– the consulting firm they chose. They released an executive summary, not the official data, tests or results.
Even though this is the first phase of the project, there needs to be more testing. The IEDC needs to examine the environmental and long-term impacts of the potential pipeline. The IEDC believes the initial results are promising but they do not predict the future impact. The public deserves public discussion and an independent, third-party study. Currently the Indiana Department of Natural Resources– which would be tasked with monitoring a large transfer of water –does not have adequate funding to oversee this massive, daily transfer. Without regulations, or an independent study, we don't have a greater understanding of the long-term effects.
These initial studies can’t predict the consequences of such a large transfer of water to another part of the state. Will Tippecanoe County have to compete with Central Indiana for water usage in our infrastructure, farms and wells in the future? Indiana’s water needs are complex; there are more questions that still need to be answered. What regulations are needed? An independent study would provide a greater understanding of the future.
Should Tippecanoe County take a leap of faith?— I want to see more studies and discussion.
On Oct. 2, I did an interview with Channel 13 news that discussed the LEAP pipeline and my proposed legislation. To view the interview, click here.
Supporting the West Lafayette Public Library
Located on W. Columbia Street near Purdue University, the West Lafayette Public Library is a center of learning, heritage and community. The library has a large selection of genres and weekly programs- including events for adults and children. Along with weekly programs, the library also hosts multiple community spaces and a free e-book database.
One of the most exciting resources that the West Lafayette Library offers is the Creativity Lab. The Creativity Lab is a unique meeting room designed for both individual and group use for people 13 and older. The lab includes specialty craft supplies and monthly project kits making it the perfect space for local events, group projects and family fun. Another important resource at the library is the local history archives. The West Lafayette Memories Project is an ongoing project to collect and share the town’s rich history. The local archive includes historical photos, town board minutes and recent research papers.
Last year, I authored a resolution for the West Lafayette Public Library. The resolution reaffirmed that reading is one of our greatest freedoms, is essential to creative culture and is vital for early childhood education. It also recognized the library for its 100-year anniversary. The West Lafayette Library is a wonderful resource, and I am extremely proud of their continued commitment to our community.
For more information about the library and their upcoming events, click here.
National Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Month
September was National Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Month. By raising awareness about both of these topics, we can shift public perception, increase support and spread important information. Recovery is possible for everyone.
In Tippecanoe County, there are multiple resources available for those experiencing personal difficulty. The National Alliance on Mental Health of West Central Indiana (NAMI) opened its first Living Room space where individuals struggling with mental health crisis can meet with someone face to face. Other resources include Mental Health America- Wabash Valley Region, Valley Oaks Health, Meridian Health, Riverbend Health, Sycamore Springs and Purdue University’ Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Individuals can also call 9-88, telehealth or the crisis lines at these locations. For those battling addiction, the Recovery Café Lafayette recently opened its new location. The café provides peer-based community support for those whose are recovering from substance abuse, trauma/grief, homelessness or incarceration. Other resources include the Victory Addiction Recovery Center, Compass Recovery Center and Sycamore Springs.
One issue brought to light this September is the increase of youth overdose due to laced medications. At a Purdue panel, Dr. Rahul Gupta-The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Director- discussed the troublesome increase. Many individuals, including teens and young adults, are buying medications online instead of getting them prescribed. By self-medicating, people risk potentially taking pills laced with fentanyl or other harmful substances. To raise awareness about this issue, I recently wrote an op-ed about the growing link between mental health, self medication and overdose. To read the op-ed, click here.
To see a list of recovery centers in Tippecanoe County, please click here.
Applications for Statehouse Internship now open
The Indiana Statehouse is now accepting applications for internship opportunities through Oct. 31. Throughout the legislative session, college students have an opportunity to work with elected officials and their staff. The partisan internship has opportunities for legislative and constituent services, policy analysis, communications, fiscal analysis and graphic design. For more information on the internship and to apply, click here.
Happy Halloween!
Sincerely,
Chris Campbell, District 26 State Representative
If the area doesn't have the resources to build/ expand in a certain way, then the area should build/ expand with the resources at hand.
(ie the desert is not a good site for a golf course)
Keep up the good work!
Regarding the water transfer, I have yet to see any comment from SkyWater Technology to see if they have any concerns with their fresh water supply. They plan on building a semiconductor manufacturing facility in WL. It seems private business is having their way with this process so maybe get another corporation that may be vulnerable to have some public comments.