The Town of Colfax received a major boost for its wastewater infrastructure Friday, August 14, with the presentation of a $2,222,000 check from USDA Rural Development of Indiana.
Town officials and community representatives gathered to receive the funding, which will be used for wastewater improvements in Colfax.
Those present for the check presentation included Town Board President Julie Lewellen, Council Member Heather Emmons, Utility Clerk Regina Pifer, Clerk-Treasurer Mike Brothers, Gary Ladd of Ladd Engineering and Shawn Kleinpeter of Kleinpeter Financial.
They were joined by Penny Titus, field representative for Senator Jim Banks’ office; Dianne Powell, regional director for Senator Todd Young’s office; and Jackson Krieg, special assistant for Senator Jim Banks’ office. USDA Rural Development representatives Curtis Johnson, deputy state director, and Steven Howell, Indiana state director, also attended.
The funding comes as Colfax continues efforts to address its water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure needs.
The Town Council has been working with Tina Henderson of Mendenhall & Associates on funding opportunities for the projects. Town officials said securing the USDA funding is especially significant as Colfax is currently under an agreed order with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM).
The $2.22 million award will provide critical financial support as the town works toward needed wastewater improvements and compliance.
Town officials expressed their appreciation to USDA Rural Development for the funding and to everyone who has helped Colfax secure the resources needed to address its infrastructure challenges.
“This is huge for the town,” officials said, highlighting the importance of the funding to Colfax’s future.