Press Releases
Today, the American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water, and Indiana American Water presented the Friends of Charlestown State Park with a $50,000 STEM Education grant for the Ranney Well restoration project.
“We are grateful to the American Water Charitable Foundation for investing in the restoration project at Charlestown State Park,” Said Brandt Baughman, Interim Director of Indiana State Parks, “The Ranney Wells are a significant part of the park’s history and story.”
The project will support the restoration and interpretation of the last remaining Ranney Well at the former Indiana Army Ammunition Plant at Charlestown State Park.
“The funding provided by the American Water Charitable Foundation will help transform the last remaining Ranney Well into a safe, accessible, and educational destination for all park visitors.” Said Jill Duvall Vice President of the Friends of Charlestown State Park, “This project will create new opportunities for outdoor learning, water education, and historical discovery, especially for local schools and youth programs.”
The STEM Education grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, focusing on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities.
“At Indiana American Water, we believe strong community partnerships are essential to protecting and preserving our water resources,” said Barry Suits President of Indiana American Water, “We’re proud to partner with the American Water Charitable Foundation to support the Friends of Charlestown State Park through this grant, which will help bring to life an engaging new exhibit focused on watershed protection and the vital role the Ohio River plays in supplying our region’s water. By working together with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, we can help educate and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.”
The Ranney Wells served as the source of water for the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant (1940-1995), which was located on what is now Charlestown State Park. These wells drew water from an underground aquifer to supply the plant, which was built to produce smokeless powder. The massive wells were unused for many years and were eventually capped. The above-ground operational structures associated with each of them, which were built in the 1940s, were removed because of their condition. A wellhouse structure for Collector Well #1 was kept to interpret the significance of the wells to the plant and park history.
“The American Water Charitable Foundation is proud to support the Friends of Charlestown State Park through our STEM Education grant,” said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. “This project reflects our commitment to enriching communities through environmental education and preserving vital water-related history for future generations.”
To view all DNR news releases, please see dnr.IN.gov.
About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.
About Indiana American Water
Indiana American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.5 million people. For more information, visit amwater.com/inaw and join Indiana American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, Xhttps://x.com/inamwater and Instagram.
Media contacts:
Jake Shapley, Property Manager, Charlestown State Park, 812-406-0848 or jshapley@dnr.in.gov
Jill Duvall, Vice President, Vice President, Friends of the Charlestown State Park, jill1610@gmail.com