Road project to be discussed in January

CLINTON COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - A Clinton County road project may still have the red light even though it was upheld by a judge this week.

Commissioner Skip Evans voted against paving County Road 450 West when commissioners Mike and Bill Beard both voted for the project back in August.

Evans then took them to court to try and stop it, saying that Mike Beard only wanted to pave it because he lives off of that road and has several hog farms nearby.

However, Beard expressed he wanted to pave the road because there is a nature preserve nearby and it would be easier for people to travel to and from the location.

Evans lost his case on Monday, when a special judge out of Hamilton County said the project could move forward.

Evans filed an appeal the next day.

But, the Commissioners' attorney, Ted Johnson, said Evans voluntarily withdrew his appeal Friday.

Commissioners Mike and Bill Beard who voted in favor of the project were defeated in May's primary election.

Johnson said the incoming Commissioners are expected to support Evans's opposition to the project and could rescind the decision at their first meeting of the year in January.

Commissioner elect Cory Boyles said he agrees with Evans and said he believes the money should be invested in new highway equipment or something that would benefit more community members.

"A lot of the equipment at the highway department now is either getting old, doesn't work or we just have flat out issues with them all the time," Clinton County Commissioner elect Cory Boyles said. "When you have extra money, why wouldn't you re-invest in your equipment instead of going out and re-paving a road that only three houses live on?"

Boyles said even though the judge gave the green light on the project, the paving contractor has shut down its plant for the winter so the project would be unable to be completed in the 2012 contract year. 

Evans and the two newly elected Commissioners will have their first meeting Jan. 2.