STATEHOUSE (April 13, 2020) – Jackson County lawmakers announced local communities were recently awarded more than $3.2 million in state matching grants to bolster road and bridge improvements.
Over 200 Indiana cities, towns and counties received a combined total of $126.5 million through the Community Crossings Matching Grant program. The grants are made available through the Indiana Department of Transportation as a result of a law State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) supported in 2017.
"Our streets and roads play a crucial role in our lives, and it's important to make sure there is sustainable funding to keep them safe and functioning for years to come," Lucas said. "Indiana's Community Crossings program provides much-needed funding to locals to complete projects without raising taxes or taking on debt."
Brown County and Jackson County each received $1 million for local road projects. In addition, Crothersville was awarded $206,298 and Seymour received $999,977.
State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) said grant funding can be used toward road and bridge preservation, road reconstruction, intersection improvements, guardrail replacements and signage. Smaller municipalities must provide a match of 25% in local funds, while large communities must provide a 50% match.
“Our roads and bridges are essential assets that are critical for Hoosiers and businesses alike,” May said. "Indiana has made transportation infrastructure a priority, and the number of grants and amount of funding awarded locally through this program reflects that commitment."
In total, more than $738 million has been distributed for local road projects through the Community Crossings program. According to State Rep. Steve Davisson (R-Salem), state law requires annually that 50 percent of the available matching funds be awarded to communities within counties with a population of 50,000 or fewer.
"Community Crossings has already helped many of our local highway and street departments make improvements," Davisson said. "This round of funding will leave an impact on these communities and I encourage more towns and cities to apply for the next round of funding in the summer."
An estimated $100 million will be available for communities opting to apply for these grants during the July 2020 call for projects. More information about the program and recipients can be found at www.in.gov/indot.
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State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) represents House District 69, which includes
portions of Bartholomew, Jackson, Jennings and Jefferson counties.
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State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) represents House District 65, which includes all of
Brown County, most of Lawrence County and parts of Monroe, Jackson and Johnson counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Steve Davisson (R-Salem) represents House District 73, which includes
Washington County, and portions of Jackson, Lawrence, Orange, Clark and Harrison counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
