STATEHOUSE (April 23, 2020) – Two local communities recently received $260,000 in coronavirus relief to support rural Hoosiers, according to State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie).
"With smaller budgets and less dense populations, our rural communities are currently facing very unique challenges as a result of this public health emergency," Pressel said. "This money will go a long way to help small businesses survive this crisis and ensure more Hoosiers can access critical online resources."
Knox was awarded $250,000 to provide working capital to local businesses for job retention. Additionally, La Crosse received $10,000 to install four Wi-Fi hotspots for residents to access the internet to complete e-learning activities, file unemployment claims and submit job applications. More than 100 communities applied for funding and 13 were selected.
Last month, Gov. Eric Holcomb issued Executive Order 20-05, which allowed the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs to redirect Community Development Block Grant funds to assist with COVID-19 needs. As a result, the COVID-19 Response Program was created to address the immediate impacts of the public health emergency on Indiana’s rural communities.
Visit in.gov/ocra for more information.
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State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) represents House District 20,
which includes portions of LaPorte and Starke counties.
Click here for a high-resolution photo.
