Regional grants report: ECIRPD says 2025 brought $1.66M to the region, seeks continued partnerships

Bill Walters, representing the East Central Indiana Regional Planning District, presented a detailed summary of grant activity and regional partnerships to the Delaware County Commissioners on Dec. 15.

Walters said ECIRPD submitted 61 total grant applications in 2025 requesting $184,084 on the community and corporate sides and reported 18 awards. He described federal and state efforts under way, including work on an EDA disaster grant (up to $20 million), an EPA assessment grant, and a DOT RTA culvert pilot ($780,000) and noted continued work on an EPA revolving loan fund. "We brought in $1,659,023.60 in 2025," Walters told the board and characterized that as a strong return on the organization's dues-based investment.

Walters also described regional work on the SS4A safer-streets program and partnerships with Ball State University on internships and capacity building. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about dues, administrative percentages on grants and the potential for future cooperation. The board voted to approve payment of the ECIRPD invoice for $33,570.90.

Why it matters: ECIRPD activity affects funding available for local infrastructure, safety and community programs. The commission’s payment supports continued regional grant-writing and program delivery.