NWI Times: “Merrillville residents and businesses who have faced an economic hardship because of the pandemic are encouraged to apply for a 50/50 matching grant the town is offering to complete exterior improvements to their properties.”

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Democratic Party, the organization that advocates for the future of Indiana and its families, today celebrated how President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan is still delivering for Hoosiers. This time, the COVID-19 relief funding is going directly to businesses and homeowners in Merrillville affected by the pandemic. The grant money will be used to repair and replace roofs, windows, and other exterior projects on buildings. These investments were made possible by U.S. Congressman Frank Mrvan’s “YES” vote on the Rescue Plan, and it will certainly create a brighter future for Hoosier businesses and families in his district. 

In contrast, Jennifer-Ruth Green opposed the American Rescue Plan’s investments to Indiana’s First Congressional District. In fact, Green has often described these transformative investments in areas like Merrillville as “failed economic policies”. Indiana GOP Chairman Kyle Hupfer even claimed opposing the Rescue Plan was a “great campaign to run on”. No matter the issues, the Indiana GOP continues to prove they have no plans for Indiana’s future – just extreme partisanship.

Here’s a look at how the American Rescue Plan continues to deliver for the Hoosier State:

NWI Times: Grant helps property owners tackle improvements

 Merrillville residents and businesses who have faced an economic hardship because of the pandemic are encouraged to apply for a 50/50 matching grant the town is offering to complete exterior improvements to their properties.

The Residential and Business Improvement Grant program will fund half of the costs for qualified improvements. Town officials said homeowners can receive up to $5,000 and businesses can obtain up to $10,000 for projects. Merrillville is using American Rescue Plan Act dollars to fund the grants, Town Councilman Richard Hardaway said.

Eligible improvements include roofs, windows, doors, walls, walkways, landscaping, painting, signs, lighting, shutters and awnings.

Those receiving grants can’t sell their property within a three-year period. The grant would have to be repaid if the property is sold within that time.

Hardaway said that helps to make sure residents and businesses “have some kind of skin in the game.” He said town officials want to avoid situations in which people pursue the funding to help them sell their home or business at a higher price.

Town officials said the grant process shouldn’t take longer than 30 days. After applications are received, a grant administrator will review them to ensure they meet the necessary qualifications. The applications will then move to Merrillville’s American Rescue Plan Committee, which will make a final decision on the matter.

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