The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) announced funding changes through several programs.
Officials say Community Development Block Grant funds may be redirected to assist with COVID-19 needs. OCRA representatives are in the process of developing a COVID-19 Response Program using the funds. Program details will be released at a later time.
In line with this effort, OCRA will be temporarily suspending the Planning Grant and the Blight Clearance Programs. Applications already received will be scored, but the agency will not be accepting or scoring any future applications until further notice. Proposals for suspended programs that are currently in the system will be transferred to Round 2 of 2020.
In addition, the Main Street Revitalization and the Public Facilities programs are suspended, OCRA will accept public hearings and meetings that are conducted via non-in-person methods that meet guidance provided by the Public Access Counselor, and
OCRA will continue to conducted site visits via video conferencing.
The Stellar Communities program for 2020 will also be suspended for the year. Stellar funds will be re-allocated for response or other related programming. Regions intending to apply for the program will be contacted by OCRA to discuss next steps.
