Pulaski County may be looking for grant funding to help pay for future courthouse renovations. Officials with the Indiana Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology discussed potential state resources with the county council and commissioners Monday. They explained that dollar-for-dollar matching grants are available for up to $35,000 for planning purposes and up to $50,000 for actual renovation work.
County Maintenance Supervisor Jeff Johnston explained that an engineering study has already been completed, but some additional planning is needed when it comes to architectural design and deciding which improvements need to be done first. The county could apply for a grant to finish the rest of the planning. Once that’s done, funding could be sought for the construction work.
However, getting grant funding may slow down potential projects. Grant Specialist Steve Kennedy cautioned that it’s not a quick process. “This is not a program that is for emergency situations,” he explained. “There is a long lead-in time. We have a long selection period. We have to get federal approval. But once we have that, then there’s about a year to complete a project.” He also said the grants are highly competitive.
County officials say their first priority is upgrade the courthouse elevators, to make them fully ADA compliant. Meanwhile, accessibility upgrades to the basement restrooms continue. Council members finalized an additional appropriation of $28,430 to cover the cost.
