Implementation of the EC Strategic Plan and Community Empowerment are the means by which the Austin Rural Enterprise Community Inc. (AREC),will achieve the Vision upon which the Strategy was developed. AREC's Vision, as quoted from the Strategic Plan is as follows: "Our vision is to be a prosperous community with the capacity to empower residents with financial stability and a high quality of life through sustainable opportunities in education, employment and training, health and human services, youth and recreational activities, infrastructure and positive economic development." The following implementation elements have been accomplished during the 1999 calendar year.

EC Planning Process

• $50,000 Community Development Action Grant from the Indiana Department of Commerce.
• Community Partnerships came together to create an inclusive, proactive strategic plan.
• Austin residents and the community partnerships are committed to implementing the strategic plan. 

Business Development

• $160,000 Rural Business Enterprise Grant from Rural Development Housing
• $113,900 Rural Development Housing Funds in Austin infrastructure
• $304,357 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding through Indiana Department of Commerce-Community Focus Funds for storm water drainage
• $12,500 matching funds from Morgan Foods Inc. for storm water drainage.
• $12,500 matching funds from Generation Homes for storm water drainage.

Education

• $450,000 in CDBG funding through Indiana Department of Commerce-Community Focus Funds for the Life Long Learning Center.
• $500,000 Scott County Community Foundation/Lilly for the Life Long Learning Center. 

Community Development

• $4,000 Austin Tri-Hawk Automotive for Volunteer Fire Department
• $10,000 Build Indiana Funds for Volunteer Fire Department
• $58,000 City of Scottsburg for Scott County Clearing House
• $200,000 Build Indiana Funds for Scott County YMCA

Recreation

• $75,000 Build Indiana funds for Parks and Recreation
• $30,000Build Indiana funds for Parks and Recreation
• $25,000 Morgan Foods Inc. for Ray Manaugh Park
• $25,000 Austin Tri-Hawk Automotive for Parks and Recreation
• $20,000 Scott County Community Foundation/Lilly for Little League

Future of the Enterprise Community

• Proposal for a Regional Market Facility,a facility to offer both wholesale and retail marketing opportunities for fresh produce as well as for a wide range of other agricultural products.
• Application to EDA and Rural Development for a $5.8 million sewer project.
• Application for Youth Opportunity Grants through River Valley Resources on behalf of the Austin Rural Enterprise Community

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