Local communities are set to receive over $1.3 million to complete much-needed road projects, according to State Reps. Mark Genda (R-Frankfort) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo).
Funding is available through the state’s Community Crossings Matching Grant Program, which can be used for road and bridge preservation, road reconstruction, intersection improvements and other items. In total, 224 towns, cities and counties will receive over $133.4 million in state matching grants.
“This program is about the state making strong investments in our local communities,” Genda said. “These dollars go directly to identified enhancements, bringing improvements to our area along with creating jobs by hiring workers to finish the projects.”
Area grant recipients include Clinton County ($1 million), Colfax ($69,678) and Frankfort ($323,805).
“These grants ensure our smaller, rural communities aren’t left behind,” VanNatter said. “Better roads can lead to an increase in economic development and quality of life. This program is a great example of how the state and locals can come together to make a positive difference on our infrastructure.”
To qualify for the competitive grant, smaller municipalities provide a 25 percent match in local funds, while large communities provide a 50 percent match. State law requires 50 percent of the available matching funds be awarded annually to communities within counties with a population of 50,000 or fewer. Since 2016,Community Crossings has awarded more than $1.27 billion to improve local roads and bridges.