Local Communities Recognized During OCRA’s 10-Year Celebration

12-7-15-ocra-awards-ceremony_cropA few local communities were recognized by the Office of Community and Rural Affairs for their participation in various state programs.

This week, Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann joined OCRA officials at the Indiana Statehouse as part of the organization’s 10 year celebration. OCRA’s mission is to aid in the development of small and rural communities throughout the Hoosier State.

This year, 100 Indiana communities were recognized for participating in several programs. Monterey and Francesville in Pulaski County were recognized for their participation in the Wastewater and Drinking Water Program Grant offered by OCRA.

Grant funds often take months of planning, surveys, and application development prior to enrolling in any of the programs.

In Marshall County, Plymouth was recognized as a new member of the Indiana Main Street Program. Those who may have driven around the Plymouth Community may have recognized the “Discover Plymouth” billboards there were part of the efforts.

Several other local communities, including Winamac and Culver are in the process of developing an Indiana Main Street program for their communities.

Part of the celebration was hearing from former Lt. Governor Becky Skillman. Those in attendance at the 10-year celebration heard Skillman discuss OCRA from it’s early days.

Communities often receive thousands in grant funding through OCRA’s various programs.