STATEHOUSE (Oct. 13, 2020) – Johnson County legislators encourage communities in Central Indiana to apply for the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program to help fund local road and bridge projects.
"Our transportation infrastructure is a critical resource in our state, connecting Hoosiers to their family and friends, businesses to customers, and residents and visitors to Indiana's many popular destinations," said State Rep. John Young (R-Franklin). "This matching grant program creates a partnership between state and local governments to maintain our roadways and keep motorists safe, while stretching taxpayer dollars further without placing debt on future generations."
State Reps. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) and Chris May (R-Bedford), and Young supported expanding the program in 2017 to help more cities, towns and counties fund local infrastructure projects through preservation, road construction, intersection improvements, guardrail replacements and signage.
"Strong infrastructure is part of the foundation of any thriving community," May said. "Indiana has taken necessary steps to preserve our roads and bridges, which gives our state an advantage for future growth."
According to State Rep. Dollyne Sherman (R-Indianapolis), Hoosier communities are eligible for a state match up to $1 million annually and the Indiana Department of Transportation opens applications twice a year. Due to COVID-19, this year’s second round of calls for projects was postponed in July, but Gov. Eric Holcomb recently announced that the matching grant program will resume and the new application deadline is Oct. 23.
"With the anticipated completion of the I-69 project, road improvements are top of mind for many Southside communities," Sherman said. "Local governments are taking this time to make needed changes and updates, and a matching grant could help complete more infrastructure projects sooner than originally planned."
According to Burton, counties with fewer than 50,000 residents and cities and towns with less than 10,000 residents contribute 25% of the matching funds, with larger communities contributing 50%. To be eligible, all local units of government must have an approved Asset Management Plan and provide a funding match.
"These grants give small communities a great opportunity to qualify for much-needed funds," Burton said. "Providing flexibility for smaller cities and towns ensures this road funding is spread to every corner of our state, so no matter where you are driving you can expect reliable roadways."
Since the program's inception, $739 million has been awarded to support Hoosier communities and infrastructure projects around the state. Local governments can apply for the program online at in.gov/indot/4013.htm, with forms due by 5 p.m. EST on Oct. 23.
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State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) represents House District 58,
which includes a portion of Johnson County.
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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.
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State Rep. Dollyne Sherman (R-Indianapolis) represents House District 93,
which includes portions of Marion and Johnson counties.
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State Rep. John Young (R-Franklin) represents House District 47,
which includes portions of Johnson and Morgan counties.
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