The Next Level Connections program, as recently announced by Gov. Eric Holcomb, will help connect Hoosiers across the state through a variety of infrastructure projects. This includes improving our roads and bridging the digital divide in Indiana by expanding rural broadband, which will greatly benefit our community.
Through the Next Level Connections program, funds will be used to fast-track the completion of I-69 as well as add four interchanges to U.S. 31. Three of the interchanges – U.S. 31 and State Road 18 and Business 31 in Miami County and State Road 10 in Marshall County – will have the most impact on our part of the state.
Right now, the intersections are busy and can be hazardous for drivers. Adding the interchanges, however, will make traveling on U.S. 31 safer and more convenient, while maintaining access for local residents.
Additionally, $100 million will be invested in rural broadband. According to Purdue University, about 93,000 Hoosiers live in “internet darkness.” This is a familiar problem for many in our area. To remain competitive in today’s economy, access to reliable, high-speed and affordable internet is critical. Expanding broadband in rural communities not only connects Hoosiers, but can also help create jobs, encourage agricultural advancements and increase access to high-quality education and telemedicine.
To fund these initiatives, the Indiana Toll Road Concession Company (ITRCC) will bring toll rates for commercial trucks closer to market rate solely along the Indiana Toll Road. In exchange for the modest increase in tolls for commercial trucks, the ITRCC will pay the state $1 billion over the next three years.
Improvements made to our state’s infrastructure with the help of this program will create lasting benefits in safety and connectivity in our area. Bettering the lives of Hoosiers will continue to be a priority of the General Assembly moving forward.
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State Rep. Bill Friend (R-Macy) represents House District 23, which includes portions of Cass, Fulton and Miami counties.
A high-resolution photo of Friend can be downloaded by clicking here.
State Sen. Randy Head (R-Logansport) represents Senate District 18, which includes Cass, Fulton and Miami counties as well as portions of Carroll, Kosciusko and Marshall counties.
A high-resolution photo of Head can be downloaded by clicking here.
