Crouch announces $10M awarded to 19 rural communities

Today, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch along with the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs announced that more than $10M in federal grant funding is being awarded to 19 rural communities.

"Rural communities are the next great economic frontier for our state, and it is vital they are receiving support to keep Indiana moving forward," Crouch said. "With these funds, local governments are able to complete various projects like improving their infrastructure, downtown revitalization and public facilities improvements."

Applications for round one of the federal Community Development Block Grant program were due to OCRA on July 20, 2018. Feedback for communities will be provided by the CDBG program director in the coming weeks.

"We are excited to support Hoosier communities through our CDBG grants," said Jodi Golden, Executive Director of OCRA. "These investments will support long-term economic growth and community development throughout rural Indiana."

The second round of the 2018 CDBG program will begin on Aug. 27, with proposals due Oct. 5, and final applications are due Nov. 30 at 4:00 p.m., ET. Contact CDBG Program Director Eric Ogle for more information.

The Main Street Revitalization Program encourages communities with eligible populations 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 Greensburg is awarded $600,000 for downtown street improvements. This revitalization project will upgrade the southern half of Main Street between Broadway and Franklin streets and on the south side of the courthouse square. 

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.

The City of Greenwood is awarded $500,000 for renovation of a senior center, The Social of Greenwood. The project will renovate the roughly 6,500 square foot center to include updates to the wellness areas, multi-purpose program rooms, a food pantry and administrative spaces.

Jackson County is awarded $225,000 for the rehabilitation of the Vallonia Community Center. The project will renovate the interior and upgrade the Joseph Jackson Hotel that was originally built in 1914.

The Town of Knightstown is awarded $500,000 to rehabilitate the historic Hoosier Gym. The project will replace the roof, install new windows and complete tuck pointing of the deteriorating brick. This work preserves an important historic landmark.

The Town of Napoleon is awarded $500,000 for the construction of a new fire station. The project will build an 8,400 square foot station with four drive-thru bays, a training room, and warming kitchen. The station will be constructed on Millhousen Road across six acres.

The Town of Walton is awarded $500,000 to build a new community center. The building will be approximately 3,500 square feet and able to accommodate roughly 150 individuals. The project will include an ADA accessible restroom, a kitchen and be utilized as an emergency shelter when needed.

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 Stormwater Improvement Program grant funding include stormwater improvements as well as demolition and/or clearance.

The City of Alexandria is awarded $600,000 for stormwater system improvements. This project will install a dedicated storm sewer and provide significant drainage benefits for the entire city.

The Town of Centerville is awarded $600,000 for stormwater system improvements. This project will dredge two creeks, construct a detention basin, and replace an undersized culvert. 

The Town of Greentown is awarded $600,000 for stormwater system improvements. This project will address a number of drainage issues identified in the town’s 2018 Stormwater Utility Master Plan that was also funded by a Planning Grant from OCRA.

The Town of Jamestown is awarded $600,000 for stormwater system improvements. This project will install a storm sewer, drainage swale, inlets and reconstruct three stormwater channels.

The Town of Summitville is awarded $600,000 for stormwater system improvements. This project will help eliminate wastewater overflows at two lift stations. 

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 Town of Carbon is awarded $172,000 for wastewater system improvements. The project will address issues identified by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management in regards to the main lift station.

The City of Connersville is awarded $600,000 for wastewater system improvements. The project will construct a new lift station, install a larger force main and mechanical equipment.

The Town of Grandview is awarded $491,675 for drinking water system improvements. This project will construct a new water production well, loop dead end water lines, install isolation valves and update fire hydrants to include shut-off valves. 

The Town of Holland is awarded $600,000 for drinking water system improvements. This project will replace an old water storage tank and rehabilitate a second storage tank.

The Town of Kirkland is awarded $600,000 for drinking water system improvements. This project will improve the town’s water treatment plant, water storage tank, and distribution system.

The City of New Castle is awarded $600,000 for wastewater system improvements. This project will install new blowers and make a number of safety improvements.

The Town of Poneto is awarded $600,000 for wastewater system improvements. This project will upgrade the existing treatment plants to be in compliance with current standards.

The Town of Sullivan is awarded $700,000 for wastewater system improvements. This project will upgrade the town’s treatment plant and collection system including the construction of a new lift station. 

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.