Dunkirk to wait on grant

DUNKIRK— Hoping to improve the chances of being awarded a $500,000 downtown redevelopment grant, Dunkirk leaders have decided to delay submitting an application until March.
Dunkirk Investment Group spokesman Chuck Huffman said that following deliberations with grant-writing consultant Greg Beumer, the group decided to hold off applying for the downtown façade grant until the next round in March.
The intial round of applications is due this month.
Huffman explained that after a review, Beumer and DIG members felt they weren’t quite ready to submit an application.
Also Huffman continued, “We knew this particular round would be extremely competitive.” State officials have already indicated that only one of these downtown façade grants will be awarded during the October grant round, Huffman explained.
“We hope in the next round, more slots will be open for façade grants,” he added.
This will probably delay the process about six months, but offer Dunkirk a better opportunity for securing the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs grant, Huffman said.
“We had been rushing before,” he said, adding that the background work has now been completed. Huffman said the delay will allow time to work out the details on the scope of the work.
Also Huffman said that the delay will allow for more time to collect letters of endorsement to state officials from local businesses, civic groups and individuals.Such letters can be submitted through the Dunkirk city clerk-treasurer’s office. Those seeking information about the endorsement letters may contact Huffman or DIG member Leo Glogas.
The new submission deadline for letters will be March, Huffman said, noting that letters previously submitted will be used.
 “We’re still very encouraged (about the chances of receiving an OCRA  grant),” Huffman said.
Noting that first impressions are important, Huffman added, “(The delay) is kind of a strategy decision to help increase our chances.
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