Town of Culver to open 2026 Sidewalk Replacement Program on April 1

Residents of Culver looking to repair or replace their sidewalks will soon have the opportunity to apply for financial assistance through the town. Culver Clerk-Treasurer Karen Heim has announced that the 2026 Sidewalk Program will officially begin accepting applications at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1.

The program is designed to partner with homeowners to improve local infrastructure. It provides a set reimbursement amount—determined by the town council—per square foot for sidewalks and per lineal foot for curbs or curb/sidewalk combinations.

Town officials emphasize that this is not a 50/50 cost-split program. Homeowners are entirely responsible for hiring a contractor, providing them with town specifications, and paying for the services upfront.

Applications are currently available online at www.in.gov/towns/culver/services/. Completed forms, which must include a sketch of the property and the sidewalk slated for replacement, should be emailed to kheim@townofculver.org.

Submissions will be accepted starting exactly at 8 a.m. local time on April 1 and will be reviewed in the order they are received. The application window will remain open until July 1, or until the designated program funds are fully committed—whichever comes first. Officials note that projects that have already been completed do not qualify for the program, and those applications will not be accepted.

Once an application is submitted, the town's utilities superintendent or a staff member will review it and confirm the site measurements. The town reserves the right to adjust measurements based on site conditions and will not reimburse for any concrete poured outside the approved dimensions.

Qualifying homeowners will receive a confirmation letter from the clerk-treasurer detailing their reimbursement amount and the next steps. Residents are strictly advised not to begin their projects until this confirmation letter is received.

All new sidewalks and curbs must meet ADA and town specifications to qualify for the funds. Homeowners are also responsible for ensuring proper safety markings are in place during construction, removing all rubble, and restoring the construction area to its original condition.

A critical requirement of the program is a mandatory inspection before any concrete is poured. Homeowners or their contractors must call the utilities superintendent at 574-292-3943 to schedule this inspection. Failure to do so will result in a total loss of reimbursement and could potentially result in the homeowner having to replace the concrete at their own expense.

For more information or further questions regarding the program, residents can contact the Culver Town Hall at 574-842-3140.