The state program previously known as Stellar Communities has returned in a revamped format known as Stellar Pathways, and Fulton Economic Development Corp. Executive Director Michael Ladd says it would be crazy not to apply this year.
Stellar Pathways is a multi-million dollar investment initiative led by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs. It offers up to $8 million in Community Development Block Grants through OCRA, $3 million in rural federal aid through the Indiana Department of Transportation and $1.5 million in Community Housing Development Organization funding through the Indiana Housing and Community Development Agency.
Additional funding is also available through the state departments of health, agriculture and natural resources, as well as Indiana Destination Development Corporation.
“FEDCO has decided to go for it,” Ladd said of program. “The possibility of bringing in between 13 and 16 million dollars into the county is just too much not to pursue.”
“It’s a five-year process after you get it,” he added. “The bad part is there are only two awards across the entire state, so the chances of getting it are slim. But, we ought to try instead of not.”
He noted there’s a lot of bureaucracy and work to be done in applying for the program. One of the first steps is getting governing bodies of Fulton County, Rochester, Akron, Fulton and Kewanna on board. All but Fulton, which Ladd is still to visit, have entered into an interlocal agreement to pursue the program as a regional team dubbed Fulton County Working Together.
“In my opinion, this is a good exercise to get the communities of Fulton County to start working together, and it gets FEDCO out in the county where it’s supposed to be,” Ladd said at a recent Rochester City Council meeting. “And the possibility of bringing in that kind of money, we’re crazy if we don’t go after it.”
The council had few questions before approving a resolution to enter into the interlocal agreement on Tuesday. Council President Brian Goodman recalled placing third when applying a previous year, which Ladd believed was in 2011.
Councilwoman Amy Roe asked what the city would have to do in applying. Ladd said a committee consisting of all the entities would be formed to come up with projects.
“I’ll put it to you this way, it doesn’t cost you any money, but you might get a bunch of money coming at you,” Ladd added.
Nonetheless, Roe went on to abstain from voting, and the resolution to enter into the interlocal agreement passed 5-0-0. Councilman Mart Smith was not present to vote.
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