INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — State Sen. Brandt Hershman (R-Wheatfield) announced today that Rensselaer qualifies for a $1.5 million federal grant to move forward with wastewater system updates.

Hershman said the grant monies were made available from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and he has supported the wastewater improvement projects for several years.

This is one of the state’s first stimulus water projects to be announced.

“These stimulus funds will save residents from having to assume the financial burden and pay higher fees to fund necessary infrastructure improvements,” Hershman said. “This investment in water infrastructure will help not only to serve current residents by improving water quality, but also to prepare Rensselaer for future economic development opportunities.”

Hershman said the recovery act will distribute about $125 million in funds to the Indiana State Revolving Fund, an existing program managed by the Indiana Finance Authority which makes loans to communities for wastewater and drinking water projects.

For more information about the SRF Loan Program, visit the IFA Web site at www.in.gov/srf.