STATEHOUSE (Dec. 7, 2022) – More than $1.4 million is headed to Elkhart County communities to accelerate road and bridge improvements, according to local legislators.
State Rep. David Abbott (R-Rome City) 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.
"This funding allows local governments to take a look at their infrastructure and make necessary upgrades," Abbott said. "Having access to safe roads and bridges is essential, and it's great to see additional dollars coming to our communities for road improvements."
Area grant recipients include Bristol ($495,173) and Wakarusa ($983,359).
"The Community Crossings Matching Grant Program is a result of forward-thinking strategies to keep our infrastructure safe," said State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury). "We rely on our roads and bridges for travel, and want to continue bringing visitors and economic development to our state."
State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) 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, established in 2016 and expanded through laws supported by Miller.
"Hoosiers rely on roads and bridges to get them to work, school and running errands," Miller said. "Investing in regular preservation of our infrastructure is significant for the long-term benefit and safety of residents."
"Our state's roads are used by millions of Hoosiers, businesses and travelers alike, and it's important we keep our commitment to maintaining them," said State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola). "Local infrastructure improvements can often be paused because of the significant expense, but this program helps alleviate local budgets and green light projects."
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. David Abbott (R-Rome City) represents House District 18, which
includes portions of Elkhart, Kosciusko, Noble and Whitley counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) represents House District 49,
which includes a portion of Elkhart County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) represents House District 48,
which includes a portion of Elkhart County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola) represents House District 21,
which includes portions of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
