Zay: Converse and Van Buren receive $700,000 in funding to improve water infrastructure

  STATEHOUSE — The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs recently awarded the Towns of Converse and Van Buren each $700,000 in funding through the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) to support water infrastructure improvements, said State Sen. Andy Zay (R-Huntington).   The Town of Converse plans to use this funding to update the water treatment plant and replace water meters. The funding will also be used for the installation of a new mixer in the elevated water storage tank to reduce freeze concerns during cold weather, which will help to improve the town's water quality.   The Town of Van Buren plans to use this funding for water-related projects including the installation of new water mains, hydrants, valves and other treatment plant improvements.   "It's amazing to see both of these towns awarded this well-deserved funding," said Zay. "It's because of programs like the CDBG that rural communities continue growing and receiving support to improve quality of life. I congratulate both Converse and Van Buren and look forward to the progress that will come from this funding."   As a part of OCRA's Community Development Block Grants, the Wastewater and Drinking Water program is designed to protect resident and environmental health, reduce utility rates for low-to-moderate income communities and improve rural infrastructure to enable long-term economic growth.