Indianapolis, Indiana – Indiana’s small towns and rural communities are preparing for a wave of revitalization after the Office of Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) announced that more than $10.8 million in federal funding will be distributed to 15 projects across the state. The funding comes through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which is administered by OCRA and supported by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The newly awarded grants will target a wide range of needs—from repairing drinking water systems to restoring historic community landmarks. For many of the towns involved, these funds will help solve long-standing issues while also breathing new life into spaces that shape daily life.
“These grants improve daily life in rural Indiana and create more opportunities for Hoosiers,” Lieutenant Governor Beckwith said during the announcement. “Congratulations to the local leaders of these communities. Your work supports small businesses, creates jobs, and strengthens our state’s economy.”
Building Better Futures Through Strategic Investment
The Community Development Block Grant program is designed to support rural communities that often lack access to the financial resources of larger cities. Projects funded through the program can include downtown revitalization, public facilities, infrastructure upgrades, and other local improvements that encourage long-term growth.
Fred Glynn, executive director of OCRA, praised the initiative and the local leaders who have made these projects possible. “It is great to see so many towns, cities and counties using the resources at their disposal to better their residents’ quality of life,” Glynn said. “Congratulations to the leaders in each of these communities. Your hard work does not go unnoticed and will have a lasting positive impact in your community.”
For many Hoosier communities, the funding provides a lifeline, addressing urgent infrastructure needs while also creating spaces for people to connect, learn, and thrive.
Tackling Blight in Vermillion County
One of the programs highlighted in this funding round is the Blight Clearance Program, which helps communities remove abandoned or hazardous buildings that stand in the way of progress.
Vermillion County will receive $500,000 to demolish three deteriorating structures in the Town of Dana. The buildings, plagued by broken glass, mold, asbestos, and long-term structural issues, have posed health and safety hazards for years. Their removal will not only eliminate environmental risks but also open up opportunities for future redevelopment and downtown revitalization.
Local leaders believe that clearing the properties will make the town safer while also laying the groundwork for new investments in the community.
Restoring Community Spaces for the Public
Another major focus of this funding round is the Public Facilities Program, which supports spaces that serve as the heart of community life. Several Indiana communities will benefit from this effort, each receiving $750,000 for their projects.
In Auburn, the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum showroom will undergo critical facade preservation. Repairs to damaged masonry, lintels, and windows will help preserve the historic building’s stability and safety, ensuring it remains a cultural and educational resource for years to come.
In Silver Lake, plans are underway for the construction of a new community center. Local officials see the center as a social and recreational hub that will host activities and programs, strengthening community ties and improving the overall quality of life for residents.
Logansport will also see a boost through renovations to the historic Logansport-Cass County Memorial Center. Work on insulation, water damage, and wood rot will help restore the building while maintaining its historic character, ensuring it can continue serving as a gathering place for residents.
Expanding Water and Wastewater Improvements
Perhaps the largest share of the funding is dedicated to the Wastewater/Drinking Water Program, which focuses on protecting resident health, reducing utility costs for low-to-moderate income households, and modernizing essential infrastructure.
The City of Elwood will receive $750,000 to upgrade drinking water infrastructure in the Dulleville neighborhood. Improvements to water mains, hydrants, and valves will increase reliability, enhance safety, and improve overall system performance.
In Montpelier, another $750,000 will be used to replace a leaking filter at the water treatment plant, update residential water meters, and install a Gateway system to monitor usage. These changes are expected to restore the plant to full capacity while also improving efficiency.
The Town of St. Joe will also benefit from a $750,000 award. The project will replace aging asbestos cement water mains, add looping to improve water flow, and install new hydrants. Leaders believe these upgrades will improve both water quality and fire protection.
Syracuse is set to receive $700,000 to replace deteriorating supply lines and gooseneck connections. The upgrades will eliminate health risks, improve treatment capacity, and strengthen fire protection in the area.
In Michigantown, $750,000 will go toward critical wastewater system improvements, including upgrades to its lift station, disinfection system, and electrical systems. The project will ensure the wastewater plant operates more reliably and continues to protect public health.
Otterbein will also receive $750,000 for wastewater improvements, with plans to rehabilitate sewer lines, repair manholes, and upgrade treatment facilities.
The Town of Birdseye will direct its $750,000 award toward rehabilitating manholes and mains, dredging lagoons, and improving emergency bypass capabilities. These upgrades will address pressing compliance issues and improve safety.
Other towns receiving water system funding include Cynthiana ($673,500), Bloomingdale ($700,000), Cloverdale ($750,000), and Thorntown ($750,000). Each of these communities will see improvements to water towers, treatment plants, booster stations, and distribution systems that will increase reliability and safety for residents.
Investing in Long-Term Growth
The funding announcement reflects a broader push to invest in Indiana’s small towns and rural communities. With many areas struggling to modernize aging infrastructure, these grants provide resources that might otherwise be out of reach.
For Lieutenant Governor Beckwith, the impact of the CDBG program is about more than bricks and mortar. It is about creating opportunities for people to build better lives in the places they call home. By funding projects that touch on safety, culture, and essential services, the program helps communities position themselves for growth and sustainability.
“These projects represent more than just improvements to physical structures,” Beckwith said. “They represent hope, opportunity, and a stronger future for our rural communities.”
A Vision for Indiana’s Communities
The $10.8 million funding package underscores the vital role of partnerships between state officials, local leaders, and federal agencies. With OCRA overseeing the administration of the program, and HUD providing the resources, Indiana communities are able to take on projects that might otherwise remain on hold.
From clearing unsafe buildings to restoring historic landmarks and upgrading drinking water systems, each grant reflects a strategic effort to build resilience and improve quality of life. The improvements may vary in scope and focus, but together, they tell a story of communities determined to thrive.
As Glynn emphasized, the success of these projects comes down to the persistence of local leaders who identify priorities and push for solutions. With this latest round of funding, those efforts will soon translate into tangible changes across Indiana.
Looking Ahead
With construction and renovations set to begin in the months ahead, residents across Indiana will soon see the results of these investments. For communities like Dana, Auburn, Silver Lake, Logansport, Elwood, and many others, the projects represent more than upgrades—they are promises of a stronger, safer, and more connected future.
And as the CDBG program continues, the expectation is that more towns will benefit in years to come, creating a ripple effect of progress throughout the state.
