Town of Cicero Awarded Place Based Investment Funding
Cicero, IN – Lt. Governor Eric Holcomb announced yesterday that the Town of Cicero was one of four communities awarded a $50,000.00 Place Based Investment Fund (PBIF) grant through the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA). PBIF is a partner program developed by OCRA and IOTD as a competitive matching grant program to support community and economic development projects across the state. Initiatives that promote quality of life, improve tourism experiences and develop multi-purpose gathering places are specifically targeted for the grant.
“The Placed Based Investment Fund is a terrific partnership opportunity between state government and local communities,” said Lt. Governor Holcomb. “High quality of life is a trademark of Indiana communities all across the state, and local leaders know better than anyone how to enhance and promote their appeal. We look forward to continued collaboration with the winners and are excited to see the results of their PBIF awards.”
With the funding through PBIF and contributions by the Town of Cicero, the Cicero Parks Department, Cicero Friends of the Park, and Hamilton County Tourism, the Town will construct a stationary pier on Morse Reservoir in Red Bridge Park. The pier will be utilized as a gathering space for educational programming, recreational opportunities and an entertainment venue. Additional partners for the project includes Our Town Cicero and Hamilton Heights High School. The anticipated date of completion of the pier will be spring 2017.
“This project would not be possible without all of the partners and supporters who have been involved and who have committed either financially or through volunteer labor and services,” said Parks Superintendent Charlie Cambre. “We believe that this project will be a great addition to Red Bridge Park and the entire community.
“The Cicero Pier will generate new community and economic development opportunities for the community and provide a great investment into the future of Cicero,” stated Planning Director Paul Munoz.
The Towns of Daleville, Nashville, and the City of LaPorte will each receive grant funds of $50,000.00 to fund parks, public venues and other quality of place projects.