1. (a) This section applies only to an annexation that meets all of the following requirements:

   1. (1) The annexation ordinance is adopted after December 31, 2016.

   2. (2) Notwithstanding the contiguity requirements of section 1.5 of this chapter, at least one-tenth (1/10) of the aggregate external boundaries of the territory sought to be annexed coincides with the boundaries of:

      1. (A) the municipality; and
      2. (B) the site of an economic development project.

2. (b) As used in this section, "economic development project" means any project developed by the municipality that meets all of the following requirements:

   1. (1) The annexing municipality determines that the project will:

      1. (A) promote significant opportunities for the gainful employment of its citizens;
      2. (B) attract a major new business enterprise to the municipality; or
      3. (C) retain or expand a significant business enterprise within the municipality.

   2. (2) The project involves expenditures by the annexing municipality for any of the following:

      1. (A) Land acquisition, interests in land, site improvements, infrastructure improvements, buildings, or structures.
      2. (B) Rehabilitation, renovation, and enlargement of buildings and structures.
      3. (C) Machinery, equipment, furnishings, or facilities.
      4. (D) Substance removal or remedial action.

3. (c) Notwithstanding section 11.3(b) of this chapter, even if a remonstrance has enough signatures to satisfy the requirements of section 11.3(b) of this chapter, the annexation ordinance is not void and may be appealed to the court under section 11 of this chapter, if all of the following requirements are met:

   1. (1) The economic development project site needs the following capital services that the municipality is lawfully able to provide:

      1. (A) water;
      2. (B) sewer;
      3. (C) gas; or
      4. (D) any combination of the capital services described in clauses
      5. (A) through (C).
   2. (2) The municipality finds that it is in the municipality's best interest to annex the annexation territory in order to extend, construct, or operate the capital services that are provided to the economic development project site.

   3. (3) Before the date the annexation ordinance is adopted, a taxpayer whose business will occupy the economic development project site has done at least one (1) of the following:

      1. (A) Filed a statement of benefits under IC 6-1.1-12.1 with the designating body for the annexing municipality for a deduction or abatement.
      2. (B) Entered into an agreement with the Indiana economic development corporation for a credit under IC 6-3.1-13 .

4. (d) If the economic development project:

   1. (1) has not commenced within twelve (12) months after the date the annexation ordinance is adopted; or

   2. (2) is not completed within thirty-six (36) months after the date the annexation ordinance is adopted;

      the annexation territory is disannexed from the municipality and reverts to the jurisdiction of the unit having jurisdiction before the annexation. For purposes of this subsection, an economic development project is considered to have commenced on the day that the physical erection, installation, alteration, repair, or remodeling of a building or structure commences on the site of the economic development project.

As added by P.L.228-2015, SEC.16. Amended by P.L.1-2025, SEC.237.