LAKE JAMES â The 50-year brand that is Tomâs Donuts is building on its tradition with an expansion at the lake.
Right across from the original Tomâs Donuts shop at the Four Corners of Lake James is a new addition to the company, a park on Jimmerson Creek that is outfitted with a sizeable food trailer that will start serving gourmet burgers and other offerings.
At a time when lakeside eateries are going by the wayside because of skyrocketing land values, Todd Saylor, owner of Tomâs and son of founder Tom Saylor, has invested in two lots that are channel side and has created a space where upward of 75 people will be able to grab a bite and congregate, either by land or by water.
4 Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
Connecting Wetlands, Wildlife, and You
Veto request for SEA 389 - 5
The DNR has estimated dollar values for some of the annual benefits wetlands provide:
● $1.8 billion in water storage,
● $850 million in erosion prevention,
● $202 million in water purification, and
● support for Indiana’s multi-billion dollar outdoor recreation, hunting, and fishing industries5.
The water storage and water quality functions of wetlands can be replaced by building stormwater infrastructure, but at a substantial cost, and without wildlife, recreation, air quality, and climate benefits. EPA data on the cost of stormwater infrastructure, adjusted to 2021 dollars, show that the least expensive option costs over $86,000 per acre of wetland being replaced6. Preserving existing wetlands saves these construction costs and provides the most cost-effective stormwater management available.