Roachdale looks to other sources after rejection from wastewater grant

ROACHDALE — After three years of applying, the Town of Roachdale was ultimately not approved for funding via the State Revolving Fund Loan Program (SRF Loan) to improve the wastewater treatment plant. This is the second consecutive year of Roachdale’s denial from SRF.

The grant would have assisted in funding the wastewater project and also to get out of “an agreed order with IDEM (Indiana Department of Environmental Management),” said Council president Rick Miles. The $6 million cost of the project, now without the SLF grant, will be less than $3 million, he added.

But even though the town was not approved to receive the grant, “we are still waiting to hear about funding through rural development and through the SRF pool program,” Miles said. The council should have answers on the grant alternatives by August so it can submit a bid for the project on time, Miles added.

The Community Crossings grant, an INDOT matching program for the improvement of local roads and bridges, has been arranged. The council is awaiting the chosen contractor to “finish up a few loose ends” before the payment is processed.

County Councilman Wayne Huffman was present at the meeting, and stood before the council to ask what the county could do to better assist Roachdale. The council agreed that any help with covering the wastewater project is welcomed.

In other business:

- A member of the public stood to ask for approval of road closings to accommodate for the Rib and Blues festival. The closing of Railroad Street was approved, and will be in effect Friday, Sept. 8 and Saturday, Sept. 9. The town of Roachdale will request no truck parking starting at noon on Thursday, Sept. 7 through Saturday.

- Three trees that were damaged during recent storms were approved for removal.

- The council approved the purchasing of concrete barriers “to better organize the rock and millings at the utility shop,” Miles said.

- The Town of Roachdale website is undergoing updates as a delegated town board member and volunteer informed the council that that the IT company is ready to proceed with needed updates. The website should be completed soon, Miles said.

- A working session for Aug. 9 at 4 p.m.was confirmed so the council may discuss the handbook.

The next regular meeting will be held Wednessday, Aug. 16 at 6 p.m. in the Roachdale Community Building.