American Rescue Plan

The Merrillville Town Council hopes a traffic study will cut down on speeding and dangerous driving. Council members agreed Tuesday to request proposals from qualified engineering firms, according to a town press release. The town plans to pay for the study with American Rescue Plan funds.

The Porter County Commissioners are looking to move ahead with some facility upgrades. The county's redevelopment commission has agreed to lend $120,000 to renovate the first floor of the former sheriff's residence, which used to house the Porter County Museum.

Portage officials say the city's financial situation continues to improve. Clerk-Treasurer Nina Rivas says federal COVID funding has helped reduce the amount the city's had to borrow through temporary loans.

Nonprofit organizations serving Gary residents can now apply for a share of the city's COVID-19 recovery money. The city is partnering with the Legacy Foundation to administer $500,000 of the city's federal American Rescue Plan funds, earmarked for nonprofits.

Small businesses and nonprofit organizations in Gary will be able to get some financial help. The city council Tuesday agreed to appropriate $2 million in federal American Rescue Plan money to support small businesses, plus another $800,000 for nonprofits.

A Valparaiso City Council member's efforts to redirect federal COVID money to infrastructure upgrades have fallen short.

Funding has once again been pulled from the Memorial Opera House renovation and expansion.

The city of Gary is putting together a plan to address housing insecurity.

The Gary Health Department is looking for input, as it plans for a new facility. The department has been allocated $5 million dollars from the city's share of federal American Rescue Plan money.

Valparaiso continues making financial arrangements for some large-scale projects.