OCRA Awards 13 Planning Grants

(photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Agriculture)

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The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs is awarding 13 planning grants totaling more than $800,000 to communities to develop a specific plan to implement community and economic development projects. OCRA says the program aims to encourage communities to plan for long-term development with the help of experts and community input.

Indiana distributes the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant funds to rural communities to support units of local government with community projects. OCRA says planning grants are one type of grant offered through its CDBG Program.

“Planning grants are invaluable tools that can help rural communities properly shape and prepare their vision for improving the quality of life for its residents,” said Denny Spinner, executive director of OCRA. “I applaud the foresight by the local leaders and residents taking the time to plan for these significant investments within their communities.”

The office says applications being funded this quarter are aiming to address water infrastructure and comprehensive community planning.

The nine communities are awarded the following grants:

• The city of Crawfordsville – $60,000
• The town of Camden – $58,500
• The town of Holton – $60,000
• The town of Lynn – $85,325
• The town of Mulberry – $58,320
• The town of Seelyville – $60,000
• The town of Spencer – $60,000
• The town of Swazyee – $90,000
• The town of West Lebanon – $87,300

Comprehensive Planning grants are designed to aid communities in assessing assets and identify opportunities to address current needs. Each comprehensive plan includes a holistic view and potential opportunities to improve land use, government capacity, and public services, among others.

The four communities are awarded the following grants:

• The city of Alexandria – $50,000
• The city of Elwood – $50,000
• The city of North Vernon – $50,000
• The city of Tell City – $49,500