The Knox City Council discussed applying for a grant for the Water Department during their meeting last week.
City of Knox Mayor Dennis Estok informed council members the Master Utility Plan on the city’s main water lines has been completed. The City of Knox applied through the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) for a $90,000 planning grant from the State Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Planning program this past August. In a previous meeting, it had been announced the city had been awarded this planning grant that would go toward evaluating the city’s entire water utilities. This includes drinking water, wastewater and storm water. It was also announced the Master Utility Plan itself cost $100,000 with $10,000 provided as a local match which was a requirement by OCRA. Mayor Estok went on to say if anyone would like to see the completed Master Utility Plan, it is available to view at Knox City Hall.
Mayor Estok went on to say K-IRPC will need to know by the end of March if the city plans to apply for another OCRA grant. He stated the Master Utility Plan laid out certain areas that have more of a priority than others. He mentioned priority number one is on Water Street. If the city were to be awarded this new grant from OCRA, it would pay for the project as well as redoing the road after new water lines have been set.
It was announced the city has $300,000 to $400,000 of funding available in ARPA money as well as $150,000 in CEDIT money to go toward the match. Mayor Estok stated with the money that is available, the city has the funding for a $1.3 million to $1.4 million project. He added that would make the city eligible for a $700,000 grant from OCRA if they are awarded. He went on to say he doesn’t see the city needing more than $300,000 from the various funds available to complete the project if the city is awarded the grant.
Mayor Estok entertained a motion to utilize the various funds available for the project as well as applying for the grant through OCRA. A motion was made and seconded. The council voted unanimously approving applying for the grant and using the various funds available to complete the project once the grant has been awarded.
