INDIANAPOLIS — Jasonville, Shoals, Brownstown, Aurora, Vincennes, Wheatland and Brooklyn are among the 20 rural Indiana communities that will be awarded more than $12.2 million in federal grant funding to create and expand community facilities and improve water infrastructure. Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Office of Community and Rural Affairs announced the funding Feb. 10.
“The grants provided to these communities will support necessary projects that may not have been possible without the help of this funding,” Crouch said. “By improving water infrastructure and public facilities, communities are improving public health and safety for their residents.”
The state 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.
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.
“These grants are so important to our rural communities,” said OCRA Executive Director Denny Spinner. “This funding makes it possible for towns, cities and counties to carry out projects to prevent flooding, provide safe drinking water or expand community centers. Each of these projects will help to improve the quality of life for local Hoosiers.”
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.
- Jasonville in Greene County is awarded $700,000 for wastewater treatment system improvements. The improvements include cured-in-place-pipe lining to the least efficient collection lines and enhancements at the wastewater treatment plant.
- Shoals in Martin County is awarded $700,000 to replace the existing influent screen with a new mechanical fine screen at the wastewater treatment plant. Additionally, the project will reline 6,500 linear feet of sewer lines with cured in-place pipe, reline and rehabilitate 24 manholes, and install a new force main in insulated casing pipe.
- Brownstown in Jackson County is awarded $700,000 to address needed upgrades within the sanitary sewer lines and manholes scattered throughout the entire community. The project also entails improvements within the existing wastewater treatment plant and two existing lift stations.
- Aurora in Dearborn County s awarded $700,000 for cured-in-place-pipe lining and/or line replacement. The project will also increase capacity and elimination of mechanical problems in several lift stations.
- Wheatland in Knox County is awarded $700,000 to install new water mains, hydrants, pumps and meters to improve the water quality for residents.
- Brooklyn in Morgan County is awarded $700,000 to improve the wastewater treatment plant and collection system. The project includes a combination of collection system additions and upgrades, as well as new upgrades to the existing Wastewater Treatment Plant and the addition of a new flow equalization tank.
Other recipients in the Wastewater/Drinking Water Program are Cromwell, Ridgeville, Hartford City, Gas City, Otterbein, Liberty and Oldenburg.
The Public Facilities Program creates and expands community facilities to 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.
- Vincennes in Knox County is awarded $500,000 to expand the Bettye J. McCormick Senior Center with a 3,450 square feet addition. This project will increase the capacity of the center to continue providing adult day services and to reestablish its Congregate Meal program for both the aging and disabled populations in the City of Vincennes and the surrounding area.
Other recipients are Macy and Rushville.
The Stormwater Improvement Program strives to reduce flooding, cut stormwater treatment and energy costs, protect rivers, lakes and vital landscape, and generate jobs to spur economic revitalization. Types of activities that are eligible for this grant funding include stormwater improvements, as well as demolition and/or clearance.
Recipients are Carlisle and Porter County.