Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Organizations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Conservation club president seeks county support to pursue DNR funding for clubhouse repairs
Summary
Steve Martin, newly elected president of the Rush County Conservation Club, told commissioners the club needs building repairs and described a DNR‑administered federal excise grant program (25% local match required, reimbursement model), and said he will pursue an application by October.
Steve Martin, who said he was recently elected president of the Rush County Conservation Club, addressed the board to raise awareness about the club’s facility needs and available grant opportunities. Martin said the club’s furnace and building systems require repair and that the organization relies on rental revenue and volunteer support.
Martin described a federal excise fund administered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for sporting‑goods excise funds (referred to in the record as "Robertson"); he said those grants typically require a local stake of 25 percent in money, materials or volunteer labor and that applicants often spend funds up front and are later reimbursed (he referenced a 90% reimbursement practice).
"I do absolutely think that we could get some money to fix that building back," Martin said, and asked whether the county could help with short‑term financing or other assistance while the club pursues the grant. He said he will follow up with commissioners and department staff and intends to prepare an application in time for an October deadline.
Commissioners thanked Martin and encouraged him to return with more specifics on costs and a proposed timeline; staff noted there are county funds and grant‑support options that can be explored but no county commitment was made in the meeting record.
