CITY OF NEW ALBANY RECEIVES GRANT FOR COVID-19 RELIEF

In April of 2020, the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) began addressing COVID-19 impact on Indiana communities. Last year, 112 grants were awarded to 96 communities, totaling more than $20.9 million. This week, an addition 80 Hoosier communities will receive more than $18.6 million in federal grant funding through OCRA’s COVID-19 Response Grant Program.

"Based on additional research and community feedback, OCRA was able to open this round to municipalities of all sizes and expanded eligible activities," said Denny Spinner, Executive Director of OCRA. "With a focus on assisting small businesses, expanding food bank and pantry services, and providing essential mental health services, these grants will impact Hoosiers and communities that are on the road to recovery."

For this round, eligible applicants include non-entitlement and entitlement local units of government could apply for up to $250,000. Eligible activities include mental health services, childcare services, public WiFi locations, food pantry or bank services, subsidence payment programs, or grants or loans to businesses to retain low-to-moderate income (LMI) jobs.

Funding for the COVID-19 Response Phase 3 funding is derived from Indiana’s CARES Act allocation.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress and signed into law on March 27, 2020.

To see a summary of the communities receiving funds, click here.

For more information on the program, visit in.gov/ocra/cdbg/covid-19-response-program.

PREPARING FOR 5G

At today’s Board of Public Works meeting, the board approved Verizon installing new Fiber Optic Cable throughout New Albany. New cabling will be run from Paoli Pike to Blackiston Mill, connecting cell towers from Clarksville to Georgetown. The cable that is being run is the foundation for new 5G services, which should allow faster and more reliable service for residents with 5G devices.

New Albany Designated Tree City USA

The City of New Albany has been designated “Tree City USA” by the Arbor Day Foundation.

“From our Urban Tree Canopy downtown, to the beautiful treescapes of the New Albany Loop Island Wetlands, and the Knobs that surround us, New Albany has some of the most beautiful natural views in Southern Indiana,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “We will continue to protect and improve our local environment and wildlife habitat. Special thanks to Krisjans Streips and the Tree Board, the City Council, Ecotech, and the New Albany Redevelopment Commission for their work promoting the natural beauty of New Albany.”

The Tree City USA program has been greening up cities and towns across America since 1976. It is a nationwide movement that provides the framework necessary for communities to manage and expand their public trees.

More than 3,400 communities have made the commitment to becoming a Tree City USA. They have achieved Tree City USA status by meeting four core standards of sound urban forestry management: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrating Arbor Day. The Tree City USA program provides direction, assistance and national recognition for your community.

Last year, a major tree planting project was initiated by the city, planting 276 new trees. Another phase, with hundreds of new tree plantings is expected later this year. This, combined with other efforts, including an inventory of all city trees, a management plan, and other initiatives qualified the City of New Albany for the “Tree City USA” designation.

Over the past few years, the City of New Albany completed an inventory study of all city-owned trees in the public rights-of-way and parks, and then utilized that study to draft a detailed management plan on how to improve and maintain the urban tree canopy. 7,777 sites are a part of the inventory, including 5,244 current trees, 197 stumps, and 2,336 vacant planting sites. Adding trees and improving the urban canopy were also a focus of the recent Comprehensive plan, approved in 2017.

DNR TO HOST PUBLIC HEARING ON EFFECTS OF DAM REMOVAL NEAR NEW ALBANY LOOP ISLAND WETLANDS

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) currently has plans to remove a 100’ by 6’ lowhead dam from Silver Creek, located approximately 760 feet east of the intersection of Beharrell Avenue and East Spring Street in the near vicinity of the New Albany Loop Island Wetlands.

As part of the project, Mayor Gahan has asked DNR to host a public hearing to inform the public of any potential impacts that the project may have.

“The City of New Albany is taking steps to ensure the New Albany Loop Island Wetlands are not harmed by the removal of the dam,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “We want to make sure that the crown jewel of the Ohio River greenway, the New Albany Loop Island Wetlands, is preserved, protected, and will not be negatively impacted by the removal of the dam.”

The City Engineer has also requested that project managers further study of the impact of removing the low-head dam in Silver Creek, including erosion, water flow speeds, realignment of river channels, changes in flow patterns, along with a variety of possible impacts to the New Albany Loop Island Wetlands which resides downstream of the dam.

DNR has agreed to host a public hearing on March 31, 2021 at 5:00PM EST. The hearing will be held at the New Albany-Floyd County Public Library, located at 180 West Spring Street in New Albany.

The full public hearing notice from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources can be found by clicking here.

SPECIAL COMMITTEE FORMED TO EXPEDITE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN

Last week, the American Rescue Plan was signed into law. As part of this plan, the City of New Albany is expected to receive $16.83 million to reinvest.

At last night’s City Council meeting, Mayor Jeff Gahan requested that the council form a special committee to help expedite the American Rescue Plan and to move those funds into service to the people and organizations of the City of New Albany as soon as possible.

The City Council established a special committee of 3 Councilman: Councilman Jason Applegate (D), Councilman Pat McLaughlin (D), Councilman David Aebersold (R).

Funding is expected to come in 2 phases, with the first phase of funding expected within the next 60 days, and the second phase occurring approximately one year later.

A copy of the letter from Mayor Gahan to the City Council can be found by clicking HERE

STATE AUDIT CONFIRMS EXCEPTIONAL FINANCIALS AFTER CITY ENDS 9th YEAR IN A ROW UNDER BUDGET

The city ended the 2020 year under budget once again. This marks the 9th year in a row that the administration has balanced the city budget.

“Many thanks to City Controller Linda Moeller and her team for her oversight in keeping the city on track,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan.

The State Board of Accounts audit of the city’s financial showed no negative findings of any kind, confirming that the city is following all proper financial controls and procedures.

The Indiana State Board of Accounts examines all accounts and financial affairs of public entities within the State of Indiana, and aims to provide its citizens with complete confidence in the integrity and financial accountability of state and local government.