Lt. Governor Skillman Awards City of Berne a $600,000 Community Focus Fund Grant

INDIANAPOLIS- Yesterday at a Statehouse ceremony, Lt. Governor Becky Skillman awarded the City of Berne a $600,000 Community Focus Fund grant for water infrastructure improvements. The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) administers the grants, which are funded through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Twenty-two communities and counties were recognized at the ceremony, with grant awards totaling more than $10 million.

“Community Focus Fund grants help Hoosier cities and towns achieve their long-term development goals,” said Lt. Governor Skillman. “Infrastructure and quality of life projects, like this one, are crucial to the economic success of rural communities in our state.”

The grant will fund the will purchase and install a new 500,000 gallon elevated water storage tank. It will also demolish the old 250,000 gallon tank, which is rusted and in poor condition. The new tank will provide the city with adequate storage to meet its average daily water use.

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.
(Submitted Release)


PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured with Lt. Governor Skillman: Sen. Holdman; Phyllis Gates, Grant Administrator; Mayor John Minch; Jane Minch; Kurt Dailey; John Crider; Gwen Mallers; Gregg Sprunger; Matt Lehman.