Note: This is the last article looking at how cities and towns in the Radius Indiana region will use matching grants for their Ready Communities 2.0 projects.
Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
The $24.6 million of READI funds approved for cities and towns in the Indiana Uplands will fund projects that for many communities have sat on the back burner, even though they are priorities and would enhance their communities.
With public safety, services, salaries and infrastructure the main priorities for municipal budgets, quality of life and quality of place projects can linger on wish lists for lack of funding.
Regional Economic Acceleration Development Initiative funds are giving communities the funding support to initiate projects that will attract talent and spur local investment. Regional Opportunities Initiative administers the Ready Communities 2.0 program.
Welcome to Bedford
In Bedford, where a large limestone derrick has been welcoming visitors to the Lawrence County seat since 1978, a grant will refurbish the derrick and “Welcome to Bedford” sign along Ind. 37 as well as create a concrete pathway, lighting, landscaping, fencing and limestone bench to allow visitors to access this historic site.
The matching grant of $100,000 will also install a historic limestone exhibit in the StoneGate Arts & Education Center downtown.
The Land of Limestone opened in 1994 and contained more than 200 photos, documents and other items. It was housed inside the former Oakland City University-Bedford building on north I Street. Through historic photographs and tools, the exhibit tells the story of the county’s limestone industry as well as the many monuments and landmark buildings made of limestone.
The Land of Limestone was removed from the building a few years ago with the goal of bringing it to downtown Bedford.
Bedford Mayor Sam Craig said with the exhibit coming to downtown and its location next door to the Lawrence County Museum, the Land of Limestone will reach a new and larger audience as well as bring something new to downtown.
“We are very pleased we received the grant,” he said. “We’re looking forward to adding new signage on the derrick, stabilizing the derrick and re-installing the Land of Limestone in StoneGate.”
“We are thrilled to begin these projects this year and are excited to share the unique history and beauty of Bedford, Lawrence County and our entire region. We hope these projects will attract diverse visitors and residents and offer additional experiences for our community to enjoy and history to celebrate,” said Ashlynne Bender, director of business and community development for Bedford.
Work on the derrick will depend on the weather; Craig said the installation of the limestone exhibit should be completed in a few months.
Loogootee park pavilion
In 2013, the city of Loogootee purchased property from CSX at Church Street and JFK Avenue.
Loogootee Mayor Noel Harty said different ideas were considered for the land. At one time, the city looked at moving an old railroad depot from Burns City to the site.
Now, 10 years after buying the land, Loogootee has the funding to build a pavilion with green space for hosting community events. The city received a grant of $225,000 for the project, which will cost $450,000.
He said the pavilion can be used for the weekly Farmers Market, live music and other events.
Bloomfield parks
In Bloomfield, the town is going to invest $200,000 into its parks after receiving $100,000 in matching funds from READI. The town will provide an equal match to the grant.
According to a press release from the Bloomfield Park Committee and town of Bloomfield, planned renovations include new pickleball courts, lighting and fencing, new adult exercise equipment, a new ADA-compliant playground, updated sidewalks and concrete restoration in the enclosed shelter houses. It will also add new park benches, picnic tables and other amenities. The READI funds will cover the pickleball court coating, fencing, lighting and asphalt and asphalt repair.
Work will begin this spring.