OILTON — The Oilton board of commissioners members met for their regular meeting on September 9 during which a key resolution was approved by unanimous vote. The approved resolution allowed leadership to move forward with a grant application to the Indian Nations Council of Governement (INCOG) for a Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) grant.
City Clerk Shannon Wilson presented the council with the grant package emphasizing that the resolution must be finalized before the application can be submitted.
“I’m working with J.T. Darling on the application but we can’t proceed until this resolution is done,” Wilson explained.
Councilmember Brian Barton questioned what the intended use of the grant would be. Wilson clarified that no specific project has been chosen yet and that the final decision would be left to the council.
“You all can decide that at the next meeting,” said Wilson adding that Darling may be able to attend with further information.
Flexibility of the grant was highlighted during the discussion with the possibility of it going towards infrastructure improvement such as water lines or wells. The application deadline is September 17 and the next council meeting is currently scheduled for Sept. 14 — leaving a narrow window for submission.
The motion to approve the resolution was made by council member Bessie Mattalino and seconded by council member Julie Bagwell.
With the approval in place, the city moves one step closer to securing funds that could significantly support rural economic development projects, pending final project designations and awarding.Oilton council approves REAP Grant