LIGONIER — Lt. Governor Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) announced today over $12 million in federal grant funding for six programs was awarded to rural Hoosier communities.

“Several cities and towns throughout Indiana are dedicated to improving their quality of place and the amount of communities participating in this round of grants reflects that,” said Lt. Governor Holcomb. “A key factor in establishing a good quality of life is ensuring a community can guarantee their residents the health and safety that they deserve, which is what CDBG strives to accomplish.”

Applications for Round 2 of the federal Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) were due to OCRA on Oct. 14; with 25 Indiana communities receiving funds. The State of Indiana distributes CDBG funds to rural communities in an effort to ensure health and safety and to improve the quality of life for citizens.

“Each city and town has differing needs for what will best contribute to the development of their community,” said Bill Konyha, OCRA Executive Director. “That is why there are a wide variation of programs under CDBG, so as to best cater to every community whether they are focused on improving water quality, developing public facilities or assisting their local workforce.”

The goals of the Wastewater Drinking Water Program (WDW) are to protect the health and environment, reduce utility rates for low-to-moderate income communities and to improve rural infrastructure to enable long-term economic growth. Eligible WDW projects include many aspects of wastewater improvements and drinking water system improvements.

The City of Ligonier has been awarded $650,000 for a waterworks improvement project which will include replacing and extending pipe lines, improving water treatment facilities and performing maintenance on two wells. This work will provide better water pressure and flow as well as provide necessary well treatment creating better water for residents.