Waldron Conservancy District granted OCRA funds for water improvements

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 8:13 AM

By Staff report

Shelby County has been awarded an OCRA grant for improvements to the water system in Waldron.

The Office of Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs today announced 15 rural communities will receive more than $10.2 million in federal grant funding to expand community facilities, improve water infrastructure and eliminate blight.

“This funding empowers local leaders to address long-standing infrastructure needs and create safer, more vibrant places for families and businesses,” Lt. Governor Beckwith said. “This reflects Indiana's ongoing commitment to strengthening the foundation of our rural communities and ensuring all Hoosiers have the resources they need to thrive.”

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.

"Congratulations to these 15 communities for successfully earning this grant funding," OCRA Executive Director Fred Glynn said. "There is a clear commitment from local leaders to improve the quality of life for their residents."

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:

Shelby County is awarded $750,000 to make necessary improvements in the Waldron Conservancy District, including the rehabilitating tanks, wells and the water treatment plants, as well as replacing water meters and hydrants.

The Town of Westport is awarded $441,679 to rehabilitate its only elevated water storage tank.