STATEHOUSE (Jan. 17, 2019) – Today, Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch along with the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs announced that 19 rural communities received more than $10.8 million in federal grant funding.
“It is important we are recognizing the impact rural communities have on our economic future. We must continue to ensure they are working to complete much needed projects,” Crouch said. “There are several rounds of federal funding being awarded throughout the state over the course of a year. We are making an impact on how rural Indiana is transforming their quality of place for their residents.”
The state of Indiana distributes Community Development Block Grant funds to rural communities to assist units of local government with various community projects like: improving infrastructure, downtown revitalization, public facilities improvements and economic development.
“These funds will bring valuable, much-needed infrastructure improvements, upgrades and resources needed in our rural communities,” said Jodi Golden, Executive Director of OCRA. “Residents of rural Indiana will see an impact to their quality of life, health and safety once these projects are completed.”
The first round of the 2019 CDBG program begins on March 25 with proposals due on May 3, 2019 at 4:00 p.m., ET. Final applications due June 28 at 4:00 p.m., ET.
For more information about these programs, contact Eric Ogle, CDBG Program Director.
The Main Street Revitalization Program encourages rural communities to focus on long-term community development efforts. Eligible applicants had a designated active Indiana Main Street group in their community and the project must be a part of the Main Street’s overall strategy. Main Street Revitalization Program projects include streetscapes, facade renovations and downtown infrastructure rehabilitation.
The City of Brazil is awarded $461,491 for downtown façade improvements. This project includes enhancing the facades of seven significant historic buildings along with rehabilitating masonry and limestone, installation of metal coping, wood cornices and the restoration of historic doors and windows.
The City of Rochester is awarded $600,000 for downtown façade improvements. This project includes the facades of 10 buildings and consist of demolition of non-original alterations, and restorations of historic structural features such as storefronts, signage and cornices.
The City of Seymour is awarded $590,000 for a streetscape project. This project will improve an area around One Chamber Square and consist of enhancing the sidewalks and curbing, upgrading the lighting and electrical services and creating an community space that includes seating and interactive features such as an outdoor musical play installation and large exploration boulders.
The goals of the Public Facilities Program are to improve the quality of place, to generate jobs and spur economic revitalization through improving community facilities or historic preservation projects. Eligible community facilities include community centers, daycares, libraries, museums, senior centers and performance spaces.
Decatur County is awarded $441,509 to renovate a building to be a Children’s Advocacy Center. The project will include the acquisition of a building and renovations to create a child-friendly environment for child abuse investigations and victim support services.
The Town of Holton is awarded $500,000 for the construction of a new 6,400 square foot fire station with four truck bays.
The City of Lawrenceburg is awarded $279,760 for community center improvements. The project will replace the entire HVAC system including the existing rooftop units, ducts and controls.
The Town of Otterbein is awarded $500,000 to construct a 5,209 square foot community center with more than 2,200 square feet dedicated to a be a meeting space.
Scott County is awarded $500,000 to renovate a building into a medical facility. The project includes acquisition of a building and renovations that will enhance infectious disease services and general medical treatment to low-to-moderate income people within the county.
The Stormwater Improvement Program strives to reduce flooding, to cut stormwater treatment and energy costs, to protect rivers, lakes and vital landscape, and to generate jobs and spur economic revitalization. Types of activities that are eligible for this grant funding include stormwater improvements as well as demolition and/or clearance.
The City of Montpelier is awarded $600,000 for stormwater system improvements. This project constructs a new dedicated stormwater outflow to the Salamonie River and separates the current combined sewer system to create dedicated stormwater lines.
The goals of the Wastewater Drinking Water Program are to protect the health and environment, reduce utility rates for low-to-moderate income communities and improve rural infrastructure to enable long-term economic growth. Eligible Wastewater Drinking Water Program projects include many aspects of wastewater improvements and drinking water system improvements.
The City of Austin is awarded $550,000 for wastewater system improvements. The project will increase the capacity of a lift station, improve a number of elements at the treatment plant and build a phosphorus chemical facility.
The Town of Clay City is awarded $700,000 for wastewater system improvements. The project will rehabilitate four lift stations and make improvements to sewer lines.
The City of Columbia City is awarded $700,000 for wastewater system improvements. This project will complete the city’s long term environmental control plan.
Fayette County is awarded $550,000 for drinking water system improvements. This project will extend distribution lines, replace an elevated water storage tank and construct an addition to the water treatment plant.
The Town of Glenwood is awarded $600,000 for drinking water system improvements. This project will construct a new control building and a new well, along with equipment upgrades.
The City of Knox is awarded $700,000 for wastewater system improvements. This project will replace the mechanical screening and grit removal equipment, construct a new pre-treatment building and make improvements to the plant force main and gravity sewer.
The Town of Lizton is awarded $700,000 for drinking water system improvements. This project will install a new drinking water distribution system throughout the town and connect to the clean water supply.
The Town of Medaryville is awarded $600,000 for drinking water system improvements. This project will construct a new water tower.
The Town of Saint Paul is awarded $600,000 for wastewater system improvements. This project includes lift station improvements, replaces or rehabilitates sewer lines, separate combined sewers and improves the current lagoons.
The Town of Williamsport is awarded $700,000 for wastewater system improvements. This project will rehabilitate four areas of the collection system, and make improvements to the treatment facility.
Funding for OCRA’s five CDBG programs originates from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant program. The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs administers the program for the state of Indiana.
