STATEHOUSE (Nov. 3, 2021) – Local communities will receive more than $2.4 million in state matching grants to steer toward much-needed road improvement projects, according to Boone County legislators.
State Rep. Tim Brown (R-Crawfordsville) said 218 towns, cities and counties throughout Indiana received a combined total of over $101 million through the Community Crossings Matching Grant program. Brown, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, co-authored legislation establishing the program in 2016 and its expansion in 2017. The Indiana Department of Transportation oversees and distributes these grants twice each year.
"With this program, there is an ongoing, dedicated funding source to help communities move ahead with important infrastructure projects," Brown said. "Maintaining and strengthening our roads and bridges requires diligence, and Indiana is a leader when it comes to making strong investments to keep Hoosier roadways safe and functioning for years to come."
State matching grant recipients include Boone County $431,655, Lebanon $999,530 and Whitestown $1 million.
State Rep. Donna Schaibley (R-Carmel), who voted in support of Community Crossings grants in 2016 and 2017, said communities can use these funds for road and bridge preservation, road reconstruction, intersection improvements, guardrail replacements and signage.
"Infrastructure increases our area's appeal to both residents and businesses," Schaibley said. "Investing in our roads, bridges and sidewalks ultimately helps our community thrive, which provides a better place for Hoosiers to call home."
According to State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee who also supported the legislation establishing and expanding the program, smaller municipalities must provide a 25 percent match in local funds, while large communities must provide a 50 percent match. State law requires that 50 percent of the available matching funds be awarded annually to communities within counties with a population of 50,000 or fewer.
"The success of our economy depends on the quality of our infrastructure," Thompson said. "This grant program is a unique partnership between the state and local governments, which has really helped small and large communities tackle local road and bridge projects."
More information about the program and recipients can be found online at in.gov/indot/communitycrossings.
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State Rep. Tim Brown (R-Crawfordsville) represents House District 41,
which includes portions of Boone, Montgomery and Tippecanoe counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Donna Schaibley (R-Carmel) represents House District 24,
which includes portions of Boone and Hamilton counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) represents House District 28,
which includes portions of Hendricks and Boone counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
