STATEHOUSE (May 4, 2021) – Indiana recently awarded more than $664,000 in state matching grants to local communities for road and bridge improvements, according to Grant County lawmakers.
State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) said through the Community Crossings Matching Grant program, 218 Hoosier cities, towns and counties received a combined total of over $100 million. This program was established in 2016 and expanded a year later in 2017. The Indiana Department of Transportation oversees and distributes these grants twice each year.
"Our roads are an integral part of our state's infrastructure, with Hoosiers using them every single day to travel to work, school or visit loved ones," Cook said. "We must take steps to keep up with maintenance, and these dollars can help local communities continue this much-needed investment."
Grant County received $50,000 for local road and bridge projects. In addition, the state awarded Gas City $490,594, and Van Buren $123,983.
State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) said communities can use these funds for road and bridge preservation, road reconstruction, intersection improvements, guardrail replacements and signage. Smaller municipalities must provide a 25 percent match in local funds, while large communities must provide a 50 percent match.
"Local governments can spend millions upgrading and making repairs to local roadways, which can take a substantial toll on their annual budgets," Karickhoff said. "This additional state funding makes it possible for our local cities and towns to put these projects into motion."
According to State Rep. Ann Vermilion (R-Marion), more than $931 million in total has been awarded throughout the state since 2016. 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.
"No matter where you live, you likely use roads and bridges to help you get to where you need to go," Vermilion said. "I'm excited to see what projects are in store for our communities and how they will continue to help propel us forward."
More information about the program and recipients can be found online at in.gov/indot/communitycrossings. The next call for projects through Community Crossings will open in July 2021.
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State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) represents House District 32,
which includes all of Tipton County and portions of Hamilton,
Madison, Delaware, Howard and Grant counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) represents House District 30,
which includes portions of Grant and Howard counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Ann Vermilion (R-Marion) represents House District 31, which includes
all of Blackford County and portions of Delaware, Grant and Wells counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
