In the heart of Indiana, a transformation is underway. Once known for its deep roots in automotive manufacturing, Kokomo is now leading the charge into the electric vehicle (EV) era. With a $6.3 billion investment, Stellantis and Samsung SDI are developing two state-of-the-art EV battery plants, bringing 2,800 jobs to the region and solidifying Kokomo’s role as a national leader in clean energy production.

But such massive industrial growth doesn’t happen in isolation. Behind every major development like this is an unseen yet critical backbone of infrastructure that makes it all possible. Before the first foundation could be poured, the city needed to ensure that the surrounding land was equipped to handle rapid expansion, prevent flooding, and support thousands of workers and businesses that will rely on these plants.

Enter the Stormwater & Roadway Improvements Project (SRIP)—a $24 million investment led by Clark Dietz that delivered an innovative and sustainable infrastructure solution to support this groundbreaking development.

Engineering a Solution for Growth

Infrastructure projects of this scale don’t come without challenges. The Stellantis EV Battery Plants are being built on previously undeveloped land, which meant that essential elements—stormwater systems, roadways, and flood prevention measures—had to be designed from scratch.

The region’s natural conditions added complexity:

  • Flat terrain with minimal natural drainage made managing water runoff difficult
  • High groundwater levels increased flood risks
  • Limited infrastructure meant new roadways and stormwater facilities had to be built
  • An evolving development site required constant real-time design adjustments

Rather than just solving for immediate needs, Clark Dietz took a forward-thinking, watershed-level approach to stormwater management. Engineers designed a network of interconnected regional detention basins to prevent flooding not only at the plant site but across a seven-square-mile area that drains into downtown Kokomo.

This innovative design ensures that water is stored and controlled in a way that mitigates flood risks, protects the surrounding community, and enhances long-term resilience against extreme weather events.

Sustainability in Action: Merging Infrastructure with Environmental Benefits

Beyond functionality, the project incorporated nature-based solutions to enhance water quality and restore natural ecosystems. A key feature of SRIP was daylighting over 2,000 feet of buried stormwater pipe, transforming it into an open, naturalized stormwater channel.

  • This open-channel system slows water flow, allowing sediments to settle and pollutants to be filtered naturally
  • It improves overall water quality before runoff reaches local waterways
  • The restored habitat creates new opportunities for native plant life and wildlife

This approach represents a shift in infrastructure thinking—where stormwater systems do more than just drain water; they actively improve environmental conditions and support regional sustainability goals.

A Roadway to Economic Growth

Stormwater infrastructure wasn’t the only piece of the puzzle. As thousands of workers and suppliers arrive to support the EV plants and their ancillary industries, safe and efficient access was a top priority.

SRIP delivered 1.5 miles of new roadways and two roundabouts, significantly improving transportation routes to and from the plant while ensuring smoother traffic flow for the surrounding area.

Beyond Local Impact: A National Vision for Energy Independence

While the impact of SRIP is immediately felt in Kokomo, its significance extends far beyond city limits. By supporting the expansion of EV battery manufacturing, this project is a crucial step toward reducing America’s dependence on foreign energy sources and strengthening domestic supply chains for clean energy technology.

By ensuring that the infrastructure was in place to support this development, SRIP helped position Indiana as a national leader in advanced manufacturing—a hub where technology, innovation, and sustainability converge.

Laying the Foundation for the Future

The Stormwater & Roadway Improvements Project is a testament to how engineering can drive economic transformation, environmental resilience, and community growth all at once.

By combining smart stormwater management, innovative roadway design, and sustainable infrastructure practices, this project sets a new benchmark for future industrial expansions, proving that cities can grow responsibly while protecting their communities and natural resources.

Kokomo is on the map—not just for what it’s producing, but for how it’s building the foundation for an electric future.