The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has awarded more than $1.2 million to 30 states to help fight the deadly bat disease called White Nose Syndrome.
State wildlife agencies will use funds awarded through the State Capacity Grant for things such as surveillance, population monitoring, decontamination, education and outreach, and travel and meeting support.
Indiana's share of the money is $36,500.
Region 3 White Nose Coordinator for The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Richard Geboy says Indiana is using the money to help with White Nose surveillance and monitoring, and analyzing data.
"We have put out these requests on a consistent annual basis, and been able to fund the most current and cutting-edge research, so we're hopeful that we'll be able to continue to fund these as we learn more," Geboy said." I think we're progressing in the right direction."
He said the State Capacity Grant is meant to address the state's management and baseline understanding of the disease.
Research toward finding a cure for White Nose Syndrome falls under a different program.