STATEHOUSE (Dec. 6, 2022) – Nearly $300,000 is headed to Henry County communities to accelerate road and bridge improvements, according to area legislators.
State Rep. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown) 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.
"Making investments in infrastructure is necessary to help our rural communities stay competitive in today's economy," Criswell said. "From transporting goods to connecting us to school and work, we depend on local infrastructure in our daily lives and have to ensure its functioning for years to come."
Area grant recipients include Cadiz ($16,537), Greensboro ($96,612) and Middletown ($185,211). In total, 230 towns, cities and counties will receive over $119 million in state matching grants.
State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) 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.
"Investing in our infrastructure is always a priority, especially for small and rural communities like ours," Prescott said. "Nearly every industry and Hoosier relies on well-maintained roads, and these grants are an effective way for the state to partner with local governments in order to take care of our transportation needs."
"Grants like these go a long way in maintaining our local infrastructure," said State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond). "We have a duty to ensure our roadways are safe and reliable, and the amount of funding that local communities have received reflects that continued commitment."
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.
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State Rep. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown) represents House District 54,
which includes portions of Hancock, Henry, Rush and Shelby counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) represents House District 33,
which includes all of Blackford and Randolph counties, and portions of Delaware, Henry and Jay counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) represents House District 56,
which includes all of Wayne County and a portion of Henry County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
