Group of eastern Allen County communities making bid for new regional Stellar grant

The Indiana Stellar program has been in place since 2011, but was modified this year to have a more regional focus. The program’s goals are to foster regional collaborative behaviors and investment, stem the tide of non-metropolitan population loss through talent attraction and retention, build sustainability, build capacity with municipal governance, and leverage quality of places through comprehensive and transformative planning processes building on current assets.

The NewAllen Alliance wants to use funds from Stellar Communities to advance the East Allen County Rural Renewal Initiative. The Alliance will outline multiple projects in each community including downtown revitalization improvements, new and improved sidewalk and trail connectivity in between community assets, park improvements, senior housing and enhancements of regional industrial assets along the U.S. 30 and U.S. 24 routes.

Funding available through the Stellar program includes $4.5 million in Community Development Block Grants, $2 million in rural transportation funds and $800,000 in housing tax credits. Local community resources, county-wide funding partners, and private donations and investment will be needed to provide matching and leveraging funding to complete a competitive application. It is estimated that a total package of $25 million to $30 million in projects could be developed.

Finalists for the Stellar Communities program will be announced April 19. Full applications are due Aug. 25 and designations will be made Nov. 27. If selected, the region would have four years to complete projects.

Organized in 1991, the NewAllen Alliance is an all-volunteer organization that works to bring people to the table who have a passion to see the communities of Harlan, Hoagland, Leo-Cedarville, Monroeville, New Haven, and Woodburn thrive and excel.