Indiana Code
Chapter 9.7. Office of Community and Rural Affairs
4-4-9.7-9. Rural Economic Development Fund

Sec. 9. (a) The rural economic development fund is established for the purpose of enhancing and developing rural communities. The fund shall be administered by the office.
(b) The expenses of administering the fund shall be paid from the money in the fund.
(c) Notwithstanding IC 5-13, the treasurer of state shall invest the money in the fund not currently needed to meet the obligations of the fund under IC 5-10.3-5. The treasurer of state may contract with investment management professionals, investment advisers, and legal counsel to assist in the management of the fund and may pay the state expenses incurred under those contracts.
(d) Money in the fund at the end of a state fiscal year does not revert to the state general fund.
(e) Money in the fund may be used for the following purposes:
(1) To create, assess, and assist a pilot project to enhance the economic and community development in a rural area.
(2) To establish a local revolving loan fund for:
(A) an industrial;
(B) a commercial;
(C) an agricultural; or
(D) a tourist;
venture.
(3) To provide a loan for an economic development project in a rural area.
(4) To provide technical assistance to a rural organization.
(5) To assist in the development and creation of a rural cooperative.
(6) To address rural workforce development challenges.
(7) To assist in addressing telecommunications needs in a rural area.
(8) To provide funding for rural economic development projects concerning the following issues:
(A) Infrastructure, including water, wastewater, and storm water infrastructure needs.
(B) Housing.
(C) Health care.
(D) Local planning.
(E) Land use.
(F) Other rural economic development issues, as determined by the office.
(9) To provide funding for the establishment of new regional rural development groups and the operation of existing regional rural development groups.
(f) Expenditures from the fund are subject to appropriation by the general assembly and approval by the office.
As added by P.L.144-2006, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.177-2018, SEC.1; P.L.189-2019, SEC.1.