Weiler grant approved (6/6/05)

A $500,000 state grant to help transform a dilapidated downtown Portland building into the headquarters of a local learning center has been approved.

The grant, from the Indiana Office of Rural Affairs, has been approved, local officials were told this morning. The money will help transform the Weiler Building, on the southeast corner of Main and Meridian streets, into the home of the John Jay Center for Learning.

Wayne Bailey, who resigned last week as Jay County Community Developer, said this morning Rob Weaver, executive director of John Jay Center for Learning told Bailey in a phone conversation that the grant had been approved.

Weaver had received that notification from Greg Beumer, a Jay County native who is an official with the newly-created Office of Rural Affairs, Bailey said.

As community developer, Bailey coordinated preparation of the grant application.

Portland Mayor Bruce Hosier said late this morning he had not received official confirmation of the grant award. He said “Wayne Bailey does not speak for the city of Portland any more.”

Portland was the applicant for the grant.

Attempts to reach JJCL board president Doug Inman and Weaver for comment were not successful.[[In-content Ad]]