STATEHOUSE (Dec. 7, 2022) – Over $1.1 million is headed to Bartholomew County communities to accelerate road and bridge improvements, according to local lawmakers.
State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) said the local funding from the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program is for road and bridge preservation, road reconstruction, intersection improvements, guardrail replacements and signage, and can cover material costs for chip sealing and crack filling operations. In total, 229 towns, cities and counties will receive over $119 million in state matching grants.
"These grants allow local communities to stretch their budgets further, and complete road and bridge projects that they may not otherwise be able to do," Lauer said. "By improving the quality of our infrastructure, we can raise the quality of life in our area, increase public safety, and support business growth and other economic development opportunities."
Bartholomew County grant recipients include:
State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville) said smaller municipalities provide a 25 percent match in local funds, while large communities provide a 50 percent match. State law requires 50 percent of the available matching funds be awarded annually to communities within counties with a population of 50,000 or fewer. To date, Hoosier communities are on the receiving end of more than $1 billion in Community Crossings Matching Grants.
"Matching grants are a great tool for communities of all sizes, especially in our rural areas," Meltzer said. "The quality of our local infrastructure plays an integral role in supporting jobs, farmers, economic development and beyond. I look forward to seeing more improvements coming to our area."
"Many of us rely on our state's transportation infrastructure, and count on it to be safe and functioning," said State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour). "From transporting goods to getting to the office and school, local roads play a vital role in our daily lives, and these grants help our local communities maintain and improve them."
According to the Indiana Department of Transportation, which oversees and awards the grants, the next call for projects is expected in January. Awards are released two times a year. More information can be found at in.gov/indot/communitycrossings or by emailing LPAQuestions@indot.in.gov.
-30-
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.
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.
