Indiana is known as the Crossroads of America for the number of interstate highways that run through the state. We're also ranked number one for infrastructure according to CNBC's 2019 America's Top States For Business study. To maintain our position as a leader in transportation infrastructure, local cities, towns and counties can apply for the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program to complete much-needed road projects.
In 2017, Indiana significantly expanded its investment in state-led road projects in addition to setting aside $200 million in grants for communities each year through the Community Crossings program. Since the program's inception, Crawford, Dubois, Orange, Perry and Spencer counties, including our cities and towns, have received more than $24.4 million in matching funds to improve and maintain local roads and bridges.
This grant funding can be used to complete several projects for bridge preservation, road construction, intersection improvements, guardrail replacements and signage. All five counties in House District 74 have ongoing road projects: Dubois County is correcting a curve on S.R. 56, Crawford County is repairing over seven miles of side ditches along I-64, Perry County is preserving four bridges, Orange County is spearheading a regionally significant project outside of the French Lick Airport and Spencer County is improving high-traffic intersections.
Each year, communities can apply for up to $1 million in matching state funds between two application rounds. The unforeseen financial impact of COVID-19 caused the Indiana Department of Transportation to postpone the second call for projects, but the application was recently opened for local governments to apply. Submission forms can be found online at in.gov/indot/4013.htm and are due by 5 p.m. EST on Oct. 23.
Roadways must be continuously maintained and improved, and additional funding is needed to do both. As your representative, I will do all I can to ensure rural Indiana isn't left behind and we continue making progress on our area road projects. If you have questions or want to share how I can better serve House District 74, please contact me at 317-232-9802 or by email at h74@iga.in.gov.
-30-
State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) represents House District 74,
which includes portions of Spencer, Dubois, Perry, Crawford and Orange counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
