Blackford County Qualifies for OCRA Grants After Income Survey

From the Blackford County Commissioner meeting on August 17, 2026

Blackford County has qualified for four years of grant eligibility from the Indiana OCRA after an income survey found 56.27% of residents are low-to-moderate income — just barely clearing the 56.3% threshold.

Warren Brown presented the results to commissioners, noting the county's previous survey showed 53%, meaning income levels have worsened. The survey cost approximately $5,000 and used random address selection with mail-in responses per OCRA and HUD criteria.

The qualification opens several grant opportunities. The county is already pursuing Owner Occupied Rehabilitation grants, which help individual homeowners with repairs. Stormwater, water, and wastewater project grants of up to approximately $700,000 to $750,000 per grant are also now available. Brown specifically mentioned a stormwater project the county is targeting.

Hartford City (53%) and Montpelier (58%) have also used OCRA funds. Montpelier's qualification was based on state data and did not require a separate survey.

Source: YouTube transcript — Blackford County Commissioner Meeting - August 17, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.