(BEDFORD) – The Lawrence County Commissioners will apply for another COVID-19 Response Program grant.
On Tuesday, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) announced the third phase of COVID-19 Response Program is now open for applications.
Beginning in April, OCRA began addressing COVID-19 impact on Indiana communities. It has since awarded 112 grants to 62 communities, totaling more than $20.9 million through the COVID-19 Response Program.
For this round, eligible applicants include non-entitlement and entitlement local units of government and can apply for up to $250,000. The eligible activities include mental health services, childcare services, public WiFi locations, food pantry or bank services, subsidence payment programs, or grants or loans to businesses to retain low-to-moderate (LMI) jobs. Phase 3 is a competitive process and communities that received an award in either previous phase may apply again.
The commissioners also approved the 2021 commercial insurance policy for the county with Parker Group.
Miles Parker said the county saw some decreases in areas where no claims were filed in 2020, however there was a slight increase in the overall policy.
The new policy also includes coverage for cyber attacks.
The commissioners also renewed their contract with the White River Humane Society for $45,000.
Superior Court I Judge William Sleva was on the agenda to discuss the development of a new Auxiliary Courtroom in the former WorkOne office; however, he did not attend the meeting.
Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department Major Gregg Taylor reported there were 163 inmates this morning in the jail. Of those 133 were males, 30 females, 14 Department of Correction holds, and three Level 6 offenders and one parole hold.
The commissioners approved all the bids for asphalt, salt, sand, and fuel.
Highway Superintendent David Holmes is working with the Department of Natural Resources on repairing where water has caused erosion at some area bridges.
“Some areas have washed out on the right of ways,” added Holmes. “We are working to get those areas fixed.”
Work continues on Bridge 150 on Mill Creek Road. Officials learned they can not place bridge piers in the railroad right of way.
Holmes has applied for $1.5 million in federal aid for Bridge 172 on Slaughter House Road/ Cement Plant Road.
Commissioners opened bids for Bridge 62 on Huron Williams Road and Bridge 124 on Stonington Road. Two bids were received for each bridge. Those bids were taken under advisement.
Emergency Management Director Valerie Luchauer reported she continues to monitor local COVID-19 numbers.
Luchauer also publicly thanked Auditor Jodi Edwards for her dedication in helping Lawrence County secure more than $1.4 million in Care Act funds. The first check was received today.
The commissioners approved a contract with AT&T for call handling equipment. That proposal is for approximately $330,000 over a five year period. The money is being paid out of the Emergency Management budget.
