Last week, Gov. Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Department of Transportation announced the construction plans for the first five years of the state’s “Next Level Roads” initiative. This initiative is a result of the sustainable and comprehensive infrastructure funding plan passed during the last legislative session and lays out the construction projects set to take place during the initial stage of the 20-year program. Under the Next Level Roads initiative, more than $61 million throughout the next five years will be provided to our local communities for road and bridge projects.
It is estimated that Perry County will receive nearly $16 million, Spencer and Dubois counties will receive almost $15 million each, Crawford County will be awarded more than $13 million and Orange County will receive close to $3 million in funding for repairs and improvements. Projects that will be paid for by these funds include the resurfacing of nearly 416 miles of road lanes and the rehabilitation or replacement of about 30 bridges in the region. Other infrastructure projects will improve intersections, correct curves and prevent erosion, making the roads safer for motorists. The improvements made to our roads and bridges through this initiative will help maintain the role Southern Indiana plays in making our state the Crossroads of America, without saddling future generations with debt. As a result of this investment in the state’s infrastructure, traveling through Indiana will be safer and easier.
In addition to the funds provided in the Next Level Roads plan, communities can also receive much-needed funds from the Community Crossings Matching Grant program. This program provides funding to cities, towns and counties for local infrastructure projects. Each local government unit is eligible to receive up to $1 million a year through the program to use toward various projects including road and bridge preservation, roundabout installations, intersection improvements and guardrail replacements. Last year, county governments in our area received nearly $4 million in matching grants from the Community Crossings program, while local city and town governments were awarded more than $2.6 million. This money was crucial in funding many of the improvement projects that took place in our part of the state. The cities, towns and counties receiving grants this year will be notified by the end of August.
As the money awarded to our area is put to use and various construction projects occur throughout the state, remember to always be alert and follow safety precautions posted in work zones. You can visit www.in.gov/indot to learn more about upcoming construction projects in the community and view travel information. As always, I encourage you to contact me at 317-232-9793 or h74@iga.in.gov with any questions.
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State Rep. Lloyd Arnold (R-Leavenworth) represents House District 74,
which includes portions of Spencer, Dubois, Perry, Crawford and Orange counties.
A high-resolution photo of Arnold can be downloaded by clicking here.
