Governor’s visit to fairgrounds, spina bifida program, affordable housing grants

Governor’s visit to fairgrounds, spina bifida program, affordable housing grant

AUGUST 4, 202

Gov. Eric Holcomb recently joined other state and agricultural officials to cut the ribbon and open the newly renovated century-old swine barn at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, now called the Fall Creek Pavilion.

Holcomb: “This is one of the few buildings that Hoosiers from all 92 counties will be walking through this door on an annual basis, year in and year out and so it was money well invested. We’re not just celebrating the fact that we cut a ribbon today but celebrating the fact that our students are going to be able to learn and grow and develop here and a lot of memories will be made along the way.”

U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, R-Indiana, and Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-New Hampshire, applauded the recent Senate passage of their bill to strengthen VA Spina Bifida Program for children of Vietnam veterans suffering from spina bifida due to Agent Orange and encouraged the House of Representatives to take up the legislation for veterans without delay.

Braun: “Many veterans are unaware of the benefits available for their children with certain birth defects due to their exposure to Agent Orange. This legislation will ensure that these beneficiaries get the care and benefits they deserve.”

Mayor Joe Hogsett recently announced 10 proposals selected for funding through Vacant to Vibrant, a program of the City of Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development (DMD). In total, the City awarded $5.86 million across ten proposals, which will support the creation of 49 homes for rental, homeownership and lease-to-purchase opportunities. 

Hogsett: “The goal of Vacant to Vibrant is to transform vacant City-owned property into affordable housing that will enhance economic opportunity for Indianapolis families and strengthen neighborhood quality of life. At a time when housing availability is limited across Indianapolis neighborhoods, our comprehensive strategy is to leverage every tool and resource to create more pathways for residents to access quality affordable housing. Vacant to Vibrant streamlines the development process by directly pairing property sales with local and federal funding. We look forward to working with our community development partners to turn the vision of Vacant to Vibrant into a reality.”