Craig Davison, The News-Dispatch
LA PORTE - La Porte County governments and businesses have received about $8.5 million in federal stimulus grants and loans from the $5.1 billion disbursed in the state, according to a journalism watchdog group tracking the spending.
The money received by agencies in the county varies from Pell Grants, to the North Central Beauty Academy, to housing-assistance programs at apartment complexes, to small business loans.
The county received $462,900 for more energy efficient windows and lighting. La Porte and Michigan City received money to fund more police officers. La Porte received about $382,000 and Michigan City got $592,000.
"It's going to mean a lot to us," said Thomas Heath, La Porte assistant chief of police.
The department will be able to hire two more officers. One is expected to start after the first of year and the other will arrive in the spring. It's an aid to the department because it is budgeted for 44 officers, but only has 41 at this time due to the city's budgetary issues.
Businesses in the county also received help through loans: Kingsbury Energy Group LLC, which received a $450,000 loan; Dye Plumbing and Heating Service, which received a $457,000 loan; and D&D Auto Body, which received a $243,000 loan.
Nielsen Kia Hyundai received a $530,000 small business loan.
Purdue University received five Pell Grants totaling almost $1.5 million. Pell Grants are given to students from poor families.
The Michigan City Housing Authority received $439,000 for modernization of public housing, while Tall Timbers received a grant for $44,000 and Woodland East and East II Apartments scored grants of $155,000 for Section 8 (subsidized housing) assistance payments.
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