HOPE – Plans for an extensive upgrade of Washington Street in Hope this year – both above-and-below the ground – have suddenly evaporated.
For several months, town officials were optimistic they would receive a $535,000 grant to upgrade the aging and dilapidated underground stormwater system on the south side of the Hope Town Square.
At its current rate of deterioration, the stormwater system under Washington Street would have to be replaced within the next two to four years, town council member Clyde Compton said.
Upgrading Washington Street is among the most expensive projects that the town was considering for its 2,100 residents.
But when the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) announced the 19 grant recipients, Hope was not among them.
For more on this story, see Wednesday’s Republic.
