E-REP Helps Secure $100,000 Grant for Mount Vernon
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (August 9, 2022) – The City of Mount Vernon has received a $100,000.00 grant from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources through the Lake and River Enhancement Program (LARE).
“We are very appreciative for the assistance from DNR through the LARE Program,” stated Mount Vernon Mayor, G. William Curtis. “They have already aided with the Feasibility Study and the Engineering and Design Phase of the project. The current grant will allow us to initiate and complete construction this year. Given the rate of erosion, time is critical. Left unchecked erosion would threaten Riverbend Park, Sherburne Park, and the boat ramp, all of which are all important component of the quality of life of Mount Vernon residents and the region.”
“I also want to acknowledge the assistance and support provided by E-REP in acquiring this grant and the Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana (EDC) in acquiring the grant for the Feasibility Study, ” added Mayor Curtis.
These funds, along with over $200,000 in matching funds from the City of Mount Vernon will fund efforts to prevent erosion along over 800 feet of riverbank near Riverbend and Sherburne Parks in the downtown area, as well as the removal of sediment in other areas. It is estimated that the riverbank has receded as much as 40 feet in certain areas in the last 8-10 years. A LARE Engineering Feasibility Study was previously funded by a grant and completed in 2017. The findings provided the City of Mount Vernon with valuable alternatives for the erosion and bank stabilization. The new grant will allow construction of proactive measures to preserve the riverbank and prevent erosion from threatening the features at Riverbend Park and the City’s Free Public Access Boat Ramp. It will also protect the habitat for numerous wildlife in the area.
The Evansville Regional Economic Partnership’s community development team assisted the City of Mount Vernon in applying for funds to complete the Engineering Feasibility Study in 2017 and the Construction Phase Application of this Community Development project.
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About the Indiana Department of Natural Resources – Lake and River Enhancement Program (LARE): The goal of the Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) Program is to protect and enhance aquatic habitat for fish and wildlife, and to insure the continued viability of Indiana’s publicly accessible lakes and streams for multiple uses, including recreational opportunities. This is accomplished through measures that reduce non-point sediment and nutrient pollution of surface waters to a level that meets or surpasses state water quality standards.