(INDIANAPOLIS) – A bill to incentivize the preservation and protection of Indiana wetlands is heading to Governor Eric Holcomb to be signed.

Authored by State Senator Sue Glick of LaGrange, Senate Enrolled Act 246 would create certain provisions that would allow a landowner to classify land that contains wetlands as wildlands for purposes of lowering property tax assessment while incentivizing preservation.

Glick says wetlands offer many benefits to the people and wildlife within Indiana communities. She says they are a critical resource to Hoosiers to control flooding and erosion and preserve clean water. Glick says without them, the safety of Indiana communities could be threatened.