Nineteen rural communities will receive more than $14.2 million in federal grant funding to expand community facilities and improve drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.
“Federal funding should produce something tangible for the people paying into the system,” Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith said. “These awards give local communities the opportunity to turn those dollars into projects that will serve Hoosiers for years to come.”
OCRA distributes Community Development Block Grant funds to rural communities, which assist units of local government with various community projects such as infrastructure improvement, downtown revitalization, public facilities and economic development.
“Through earning this grant funding, these 19 communities demonstrate their commitment to the long-term quality of life of their residents,” OCRA Executive Director Fred Glynn said. “Congratulations to the local officials who lead these efforts, I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of these projects around our Hoosier cities and towns.”
The Public Facilities Program creates and expands community facilities that enhance the lives of residents. Eligible projects include fire stations, community facilities, libraries, museums, community centers and performance spaces that open doors to knowledge and ideas, culture, and enjoyment.
The Stormwater Improvement Program strives to reduce flooding, cut stormwater treatment and energy costs, and protect rivers, lakes and vital landscapes. Types of activities eligible for this grant funding include stormwater improvements, as well as demolition and clearance.
The goals of the Wastewater/Drinking Water Program are to protect resident and environmental health, reduce utility rates for low-to-moderate income communities, and improve rural infrastructure to enable long-term economic growth.
Projects receiving Wastewater/Drinking Water Program grant funding include the Town of Versailles, awarded $750,000 to improve aging water infrastructure by demolishing a 75,000-gallon water tank and replacing water meter pits, services lines and hydrants.
Funding for OCRA’s CDBG programs originates from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant program and is administered for the State of Indiana by OCRA. For more information, visit in.gov/ocra/cdbg.
