Akron, Kosciusko County to receive grants for water projects

The Town of Akron and Kosciusko County are among several rural communities to receive OCRA grants.

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 Stormwater Improvement Program strives to reduce flooding, cut stormwater treatment and energy costs, and protect rivers, lakes and vital landscapes. Types of activities eligible for this grant funding include stormwater improvements, as well as demolition and clearance.

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:

The Town of Akron is awarded $750,000 to complete a wastewater utility improvement project that includes a pump replacement, back-up power for two lift stations and rehabilitating the lagoon system.

Kosciusko County is awarded $560,000 to make necessary improvements to the water utility operated by the Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District, including drilling a new raw water supply well, improving the water treatment plant and installing water meters in the Enchanted Hills subdivision.