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I just received the following press release in my inbox.  I actually received this from a co-worker who received it from a co-worker, but it was originally written by Anne Bell at the The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA).  The press release explains the Grant so perfectly that I thought I would share what she wrote with you all.  Congrats to Arcadia, Indiana - this grant will help make your already charming downtown even better! [caption id="attachment_1477" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Pictured: Glen Shrock, Town Council Member; Lt. Governor Becky Skillman; Mitch Russell, Town Representative; Tina Henderson, Grant Administrator."][/caption] Monday, December 14 at a Statehouse ceremony, Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman awarded the Town of Arcadia a $449,160 Community Focus Fund grant for a downtown revitalization project.  The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) administers the grants, which are funded through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Thirty-three communities and counties were recognized at the ceremony, with grant awards totaling more than $15 million. “Grant opportunities, like this one, allow rural communities to undertake projects they might not otherwise be able to fund,� said Lt. Governor Skillman. “The Community Focus Fund grants provide communities with the resources they need to achieve their long-term development goals and eliminate the barriers that stand in the way of their economic success.�

This project will include the rehabilitation of downtown sidewalks and the placement of new walkways where none currently exist.  Wider pathways, new ADA compliant ramps, and new curbs and gutters will also be installed.  The town will also use grant funding to install period lighting appropriate for the town’s architecture.  All of these improvements will help the town capitalize on their growing arts and tourism initiative. The Community Focus Fund grants are awarded twice annually through a competitive application process. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to: community and senior centers, special needs facilities, libraries, water system improvements, storm drainage projects, and sewer system improvements.

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