Crawford County commissioners voted Dec. 9 to sign a letter committing the county to participate as a non-lead coalition member in Indiana 15’s application for an EPA brownfields assessment grant.

Nathan, identified in the meeting as “Nathan from Region 15,” told the board the new application seeks $700,000 — up from $500,000 in the prior round — and that the previous award allowed “over a $160,000 of that grant here in Crawford County.” He said the grant is a coalition assessment grant with one lead member (Indiana 15) and up to four non-lead members; as a non-lead member the county would not have a financial obligation but would be required to host at least one site if the grant is awarded.

Commissioners asked about advantages and limitations of joining the coalition. Nathan said non-lead membership guarantees at least one site in the county and noted that, while Pike and Orange counties will not be formal coalition members this round, Region 15 can still conduct sites in those counties because they are part of the same Region 15 area.

A motion to sign the letter of support was made and approved by voice vote. Nathan told commissioners he would help publicize the solicitation and continue identifying candidate properties, including the old courthouse and a former mill site in English, which were discussed as possible assessment sites.

Next steps: Region 15 will include Crawford County as a non-lead partner in the application filed in January; the county’s formal participation beyond the signed letter will depend on the grant award and any subsequent project selection.