Blackford County Drainage Board Approves AEP Fiber Cable Plan With Significant Conditions

From the Blackford County Drainage Board Special Meeting on June 15, 2026

The Blackford County Drainage Board voted 3-0 to approve a stormwater pollution prevention plan for AEP Transmission Company's underground fiber optic cable project — but not before drainage consultant Paul Shriber flagged multiple problems with the submitted documentation.

The project will run fiber cable to AEP's Wibble Ditch Station substation near Mill Grove. The cable provides backup telecommunications for wind turbines in the area. Contractor RMCT, represented by Heather Weinberger, presented the plan. AEP sent no representative to the meeting about its own project.

Shriber identified six deficiencies requiring correction. The submitted plan included a vicinity map showing the project in the wrong county — approximately 80 miles west of Blackford County. "That's an embarrassing thing to give to the state," Shriber said. The plan also failed to show underground cable locations from existing wind towers, which Shriber warned could lead construction crews to hit live power lines.

Shriber also raised a legal issue with the Heidi Ditch drainage easement along County Road 300 South. A drainage easement cannot legally be used for anything other than drainage, meaning the commissioners cannot authorize cable placement on that right-of-way. Cable depth requirements were tightened to 3 feet below the hard pan and 5 feet of cover near the lift station. Seeding and riprap specifications were also revised.

A board member noted that cables are already being installed in the area without drainage board approval. Commissioners John Lancaster, Dan Borgenheimer, and Laura Coons approved the plan contingent on RMCT submitting corrected documentation incorporating all of Shriber's requirements. The project also requires state approval.

The AEP fiber optic plan was first reviewed at the June 1 drainage board meeting, where it was among several items discussed.

Source: Blackford County Drainage Board Special Meeting, June 15, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.