Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman has awarded Frankfort with a $49,500 planning grant the city will use to fund a feasibility planning study regarding renovations to the Historic Nickel Plate Railroad Roundhouse located on the city's west side. These federal dollars are from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Indiana's Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) administers the grants.
"These planning studies are often the first step for communities that want to pursue new economic development opportunities," said Lt. Governor Skillman, who oversees OCRA. "These studies are costly for rural communities, but the state will continue to support communities that have a vision for improving the quality of life for Hoosiers."
Frankfort officials will use the grant to fund a feasibility planning study regarding improvements to the Historic Nickel Plate Railroad Roundhouse, located between Morrison and Walnut Streets. The Roundhouse, which was constructed in 1924 to shelter locomotives and train cars during repair, is listed as one of Indiana's 10 Most Endangered Landmarks by the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana. The study will assess the structure and give recommendations to renovate the building for use as a business complex, museum, lodging, restaurants, and entertainment venue.
The CDBG grant program has proven to be an effective tool for community-based planning and research initiatives. Visit www.in.gov/ocra for additional information on this grant program.