[r23] Rep. Friend congratulates Peru on receiving $500,000 grant (7/13/2011)

STATEHOUSE-Today, a community in State Rep. Bill Friend's (R-Macy) district, the City of Peru, was awarded $500,000 by Lt. Governor Becky Skillman for a downtown revitalization project through the Community Focus Fund.

"These funds will be a great boost to the community as Peru moves forward by improving the downtown area," said Rep. Friend. "Preserving our history and traditions by restoring downtown Peru is a very worthy project. I look forward to the positive impact it will have to the city and surrounding communities."

The Community Focus Fund (CFF) is supported by the federal Community Development Block Grant dollars from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The goal of the CFF program is to encourage communities with eligible populations to focus on long-term community development.

The funds help rural communities with a variety of projects, such as sewer and water systems, community centers, health and safety programs and many others. The overall goal of these funds is to help communities improve the quality of life and to ensure the health and safety of their citizens.

To qualify, a community leader can apply to receive funds based on the following criteria:

• The area has a substantial low and moderate-income population (51 percent or greater)
• The project addresses the long-term planning and development efforts for the community
• Funds granted will have a significant impact on the proposed project
• The project is ready to proceed and will be completed within 18 months after being awarded

For more information, log onto www.in.gov/ocra/.

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