STATEHOUSE (April 13, 2023) – Local communities are set to receive over $1.9 million to complete much-needed road projects, according to area legislators.
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.
"Our area continues to grow as more people and job providers call Bartholomew County home," said State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus). "Local infrastructure needs to keep up with this growth, and these grants play a big part in our efforts."
Area grant recipients include Bartholomew County ($1 million) and Columbus ($927,807).
"This grant program can make all the difference in our communities, especially for the smaller, more rural towns that struggle to pay for costly projects," said State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville). "This funding will be put to good use as we continue to invest in and improve local 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 prcent 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.
"Our roads are a crucial part of our daily lives, and millions of people depend on them to be safe and reliable," said State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour). "Paying for needed improvements comes at a high cost, and local governments can struggle to come up with the funding. With this grant program, communities can move ahead on important projects that otherwise might not happen."
A list of all communities receiving matching funds in the latest round is available here. Visit in.gov/indot/communitycrossings to learn more about the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program and the next call for projects opening in July.
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State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) represents House District 59,
which includes a portion of Bartholomew County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) represents House District 69,
which includes portions of Bartholomew, Jackson, Scott and Washington counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville) represents House District 73,
which includes portions of Bartholomew, Decatur, Jennings and Shelby counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
