June 9, 2026
By: Brian Stuffle, Director of Crane Community Support for Radius Indiana
The White River Military Coordination Alliance recently delivered its 2026 State of the Community Address to personnel at Naval Weapons Station Crane. Formed in 2018, the Alliance is a community-member organization focused on promoting positive development and growth in the communities surrounding Crane. It works to align regional priorities with the installation's military mission and strengthen the relationship between Crane and its neighboring communities. The annual briefing is a cornerstone of that effort, ensuring both sides stay informed and engaged on issues that affect the region's vitality.
The relationship between Crane and the surrounding region is about more than geography — it is a driving economic force in southern Indiana. Crane employs around 6,000 workers as scientists, engineers, and technicians. Crane’s local payroll exceeds $400 million annually, and the base indirectly supports thousands of additional jobs in the surrounding area. Its economic footprint extends further, contributing $22.2 million in annual tax revenue and injecting between $3.5 and $5 billion into the regional economy each year, driving high-tech innovation, job growth, and infrastructure development throughout the region. That economic impact makes open, ongoing communication between the installation and community organizations like the Alliance not just beneficial, but essential. Both sides are working toward solutions for expanding childcare so workers can show up, building housing so talent can put down roots, and developing infrastructure so communities can grow alongside the mission.
The briefing drew on input from 12 communities and the message was clear: the communities surrounding Crane are actively investing in the people, places, and partnerships needed to support Crane.
Workforce development emerged as a central theme. Regional coalitions are working to expand childcare capacity through the development of small "microfacilities," while the Uplands Smart Start strategy, backed by $7.8 million in Lilly Endowment funding, is working to make quality early childhood care more accessible across the region. In Martin County, the Kids City project will add 58 new childcare seats. On the education front, schools in Greene and Daviess counties are emphasizing STEM programming, and the ROI MOMENTUM program is building awareness and career pathways in microelectronics, including summer camps planned through 2026.
Housing and infrastructure investments are also moving forward. The Uplands Regional Land Bank is acquiring and rehabilitating blighted properties, with plans to own more than 20 parcels by the end of 2026. Collectively, across Martin, Monroe, Lawrence, Daviess, Sullivan, and Greene counties, dozens of new homes and apartment complexes are in development. Infrastructure projects include an $18.3 million water system revitalization in Loogootee and a wastewater readiness project for the Town of Crane, slated for completion in Fall 2026.
Community quality-of-life initiatives are expanding as well. Radius Indiana continues to offer relocation incentives of up to $5,000 through its Choose Southern Indiana to attract new residents. Communities also submitted 29 applications for Arts & Culture grant funding from Lilly Endowment, aimed at developing gathering spaces and arts programming. Additionally, a new recreational park is being explored at WestGate@Crane Technology Park.
The Alliance closed by inviting Crane to deepen its community presence — from participating in local events like the Linton Freedom Festival Parade and Loogootee Summerfest to supporting small business development and workforce upskilling efforts. The next State of the Installation briefing is planned for November 2026, when Team Crane will have the opportunity to share its updates from inside the gates on mission progress, workforce needs, and future initiatives that shape the region.