[r46] Rep. Heaton: $500,000 awarded to Owen County to help disabled (7/13/2011)

Wednesday, July 13, 2011 7:00 pm

Start Date:  7/13/2011  All Day  
End Date:  7/13/2011    
STATEHOUSE—Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) congratulated Owen County’s Americans with Disability Act (ADA) Accessibility Project for receiving a $500,000 grant today. The grant was presented by Lt. Governor Becky Skillman and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs.

“I would personally like to congratulate Owen County and to applaud their efforts in this project,” said Rep. Bob Heaton. “I know this money will be used to the fullest and the project will ease disabled Hoosiers’ in everyday visits around Owen County.”

The funds Owen County is receiving are to be used for a community development project for the Owen County Courthouse ADA Accessibility Project. The proposed project seeks to increase accessibility to the Owen County Courthouse. The grant will go towards plans to include an elevator from the first floor to the basement level, modification to the North entrance to improve accessibility, modifications to the first floor men’s and women’s restrooms making them ADA compliant.

The Community Focus Fund (CFF) is funded with 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 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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Heaton - Grant Ceremony.docx