Local communities recently received more than $2.3 million in state matching grants for road and bridge improvements, according to Boone County lawmakers.
Over 240 Indiana cities, towns and counties received a combined total of more than $101 million through the Community Crossings Matching Grant program, which was created in 2016 and expanded in 2017 through laws co-authored by State Rep. Tim Brown (R-Crawfordsville). Grants are made available through the Indiana Department of Transportation.
“Safe and functioning infrastructure is key to our growth and vitality, and these investments signal to job creators throughout the world that Indiana is a great place to set up shop,” said Brown, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. “We are serious about ensuring Indiana thrives, and dependable roads and bridges are an important part of the equation for our continued success.”
Boone County received $498,400 for local road and bridge projects. In addition, Lebanon was awarded $839,577 and Whitestown was awarded $999,423.
State Rep. Donna Schaibley (R-Carmel), who also voted for establishing and expanding the program, said this funding can be used for road and bridge preservation, road reconstruction, intersection improvements, guardrail replacements and signage. Smaller municipalities must provide a 25 percent match in local funds, while large communities must provide a 50 percent match.
“The matching component to this grant makes it possible for small and large communities to receive funding for much-needed road projects,” Schaibley said. “Indiana’s fiscal health puts our state in a position to continue making these repairs and improving the quality of life for Hoosiers.”
According to State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton), another supporter of the 2016 and 2017 laws, more than $830 million in total has been distributed for local road projects through the Community Crossings program. State law requires annually that 50 percent of the available matching funds be awarded to communities within counties with a population of 50,000 or fewer.
“We put a lot of thought into how to sustainably fund our roads for years to come without placing debt on future generations,” said Thompson, member of the House Ways and Means Committee. “Our investment helps local communities begin and complete road projects, keeping our roadways safe for Hoosiers and visitors alike.”
More information about the program and recipients can be found online atin.gov/indot/communitycrossings.