STATEHOUSE (April 5, 2017) – The Indiana House of Representatives approved State Rep. Randy Frye’s (R-Greensburg) bill to foster regional infrastructure development in Indiana.
Senate Bill 128 would allow Indiana counties or municipalities participating in a Regional Development Authority to create a fund specifically for regional infrastructure projects. These projects could include repairs to highways or bridges, rail lines and airports, and be invested in public transportation and other needed infrastructure improvements.
“As a lawmaker, one of my top priorities this session is to establish sustainable funding for Indiana’s roads,” Frye said. “The General Assembly is working to enact a comprehensive, long-term road and bridge funding solution. This bill would coincide with that effort and be an additional tool to help fund local and regional infrastructure projects. Legislators are advocating for local governments and will continue to encourage development in our communities.”
Under the bill, RDAs would be able to apply for FASTLANE federal grants, which fund road and bridge projects across the country. Local governments could also transfer money out of their general or rainy day funds to support regional infrastructure development. Frye said the proposal would allow a RDA to enter into an agreement with the Indiana Department of Transportation to contribute local matching funds to pay for these projects.
After being amended in the House, Senate Bill 128 will again be considered by the Senate. Visit iga.in.gov for more information.
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State Rep. Frye (R-Greensburg) represents House District 67, which includes Ohio, Ripley and Switzerland counties, as well as portions of Decatur, Jennings, Jefferson and Dearborn counties.
A high-resolution photo of Frye can be downloaded by clicking here.
