Indiana is investing in our local infrastructure at a higher level than ever before. Through Indiana’s Community Crossings Matching Grant Program, we are driving significant funding to local communities. These grants are part of an unprecedented effort to assist local governments with road and bridge projects to keep Indiana’s reputation as the Crossroads of America. Since 2016, our state’s local road and bridge investment increased 76%, with more than $850 million invested just this year.
Community Crossings is a partnership between INDOT and Hoosier communities, rural and urban, to invest in infrastructure projects that promote economic development, create jobs and strengthen local transportation networks. Eligible projects include road resurfacing and preservation, bridge rehabilitation or replacement, road reconstruction with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance in connection with a road project, and the costs for materials needed in chip sealing and crack filling operations.
This program launched in 2016 as part of a law funded through the state budget. Since then, more than $500 million has been awarded in matching grants statewide. This month it was announced that $1.9 million in matching grants were awarded to Crawford and Perry counties, along with Cannelton, English, Huntingburg, Leavenworth, Santa Claus, Tell City and West Baden Springs.
This grant program requires local municipalities to provide some of their own dollars to receive a matching grant. Smaller communities need to provide 25% of the funding, while larger communities must provide a 50% match. This requirement makes this program an even playing field, no matter how many people live in an area. It is a key piece to making this a successful program because all Hoosier communities can apply for the funds, and use the money to do projects they might not have the funding for and accelerate their road plans.
According to CNBC, Indiana’s infrastructure is the best in the nation because of our conservative long-term road funding plan, and these grants will go a long way toward ensuring we build upon a strong foundation for the future.
More information about Community Crossings and recipients can be found at www.in.gov/indot.
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State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) represents House District 74,
which includes portions of Spencer, Dubois, Perry, Crawford and Orange counties.
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