The Town of Culver has been named a finalist for Indiana’s 2016 Stellar Communities program.
It’s run through the Lieutenant Governor’s office, and attempts to help rural communities with economic development, housing, and certain planning efforts. Public input was gathered by the Town in March prior to submitting an application with the state.
Culver Town Manager Jonathan Leist has previously said the state can offer four years of assistance with grant application and preparation. In other words, Culver’s current efforts would only be helped through the program.
On Tuesday, Lt. Governor Eric Holcomb announced six finalists in two divisions. Culver was named alongside Corydon in Harrison County and Union City in Randolph County in their division.
Culver has been interested in the program for some time, but felt it necessary to first complete the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. The idea, while comparing notes with other communities – specifically North Liberty – who have been awarded the designation, is to carry the momentum of planning forward.
In Culver’s Comprehensive Plan, several projects are outlined, but Leist says Stellar Communities can help them choose, and possibly fund, between five and seven of those projects.
The Lt. Governor’s office says as a finalist, each community will receive a planning grant to create or build on existing strategic plans apart from being awarded the final selection.
