Additional Funding Secured for Whitewater Canal Preservation Project

The Indiana State Budget Committee has released more than $7 million for the project.

Photo via the Indiana State Museum and Historical Sites.

(Metamora, Ind.) - The Indiana State Budget Committee has approved the release of an additional $7.4 million for repair and rehabilitation work at the Whitewater Canal Historical Site. 

This comes after the Whitewater Canal State Historic Site has received a commitment from the state for a $7 million READI 2.0 matching grant in January, bringing the total project investment to $14.4 million. 

The project will include the replacement of the canal boat and the rehabilitation of the canal bed, Laurel Feeder Dam, Locks 24 and 25, and the Duck Creek Aqueduct. The rehabilitation work will include the stabilization of various structures, masonry work, gate swing and arm replacements, reconstruction of walkways, and accessibility improvements.

RELATED: Whitewater Canal Historic Site Receives Commitment for $7 Million Matching Grant

The original preservation project was proposed in 2022, the same year the Ben Franklin III Canal Boat was removed from the Whitewater Canal for its five-year inspection. During the transportation to the administration parking lot, the front end of the boat cracked and broke off. 

Further site evaluation and environmental review revealed further deterioration and erosion at the canal. 

In June of 2025, the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites made the decision to close the Whitewater Canal. Just weeks after the announcement, a grant opportunity (listed above) helped saved the site. 

State Rep. Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville) released the following statement:

"I am incredibly proud to have helped deliver a transformational $14.4 million investment into the Whitewater Canal and the future of Franklin County. This funding—$7 million from the 2023 General Fund (officially approved through the state budget committee today for release), $460,000 from the State Construction Fund, and another $7 million from the Lilly Foundation through READI 2.0—represents one of the most significant commitments our community has seen in years. This is more than funding. This is about protecting our history, strengthening our infrastructure, and standing up for the people who call this community home. Metamora holds a special place in my heart. It is not just a canal town—it is the heartbeat of a proud, hardworking small business community. The people of Metamora have poured their time, energy, and passion into preserving something truly unique, and they deserve this investment. These dollars will restore critical infrastructure, preserve historic landmarks, and create real economic opportunity through tourism and small business growth. Just as importantly, it sends a clear message: rural communities matter, and we are fighting to ensure they have a strong and sustainable future. I will continue working to make sure Franklin County receives the attention, investment, and support it deserves. This is a proud day for Metamora. An even brighter future lies ahead."