Northeast Indiana legislators: Local communities receive road funding from state

Posted by: Kylie Glatfelter  | Tuesday, December 9, 2025

STATEHOUSE (Dec. 9, 2025) – Local communities received over $8.7 million in state funding for local road and bridge projects, according to Northeast Indiana lawmakers.

The Community Crossings Matching Grant Program, established through a law House Republicans passed in 2016, offers funding to local communities for road repairs, bridge maintenance, intersection upgrades and other infrastructure projects. Nearly 200 communities received $100 million in state matching grants for this round of funding.

"The Community Crossings Matching Grant Program helps us meet today’s infrastructure needs while preparing for tomorrow," said State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn). "Regular road improvements and maintenance are vital for the safety of drivers, and investing in strong infrastructure is crucial for drawing new businesses and residents to our thriving Hoosier communities. I'm thrilled to see local leaders taking advantage of these matching grants for their local communities."

Area grant recipients include:

  • Albion, $807,106;
  • Angola, $234,174;
  • Ashley, $1 million;
  • Butler, $540,000;
  • Clear Lake, $1 million;
  • DeKalb County; $1 million;
  • Garrett; $753,436;
  • Kendallville, $451,288;
  • LaGrange, $952,800;
  • LaGrange County, $1 million; and
  • Topeka; $1 million.

"This grant program is an essential tool for cities, towns and counties,” said State Rep. David Abbott (R-Rome City). "By utilizing these state resources, communities can complete important projects that benefit both residents and local businesses. I encourage more communities to take full advantage of this opportunity."

State Rep. Tony Isa (R-Angola) noted that to be eligible for funding, smaller municipalities must contribute 20 percent in local funds, while larger communities are required to provide a 50 percent match. State guidelines also ensure that half of the available matching funds each year are directed to communities in counties with populations of 50,000 or fewer. Since 2016, the Community Crossings program has invested over $2 billion in enhancing local roads and bridges.

"Many of our smaller and rural communities depend on these state funds to move forward with projects that are crucial for everyday life," Isa said. "It’s exciting to see local infrastructure improvements in the near future."

Visit in.gov/indot/communitycrossings to view a full list of grant recipients and learn more about the program.

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State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) represents House District 52,
which includes all of DeKalb County, and portions of Noble and Steuben counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
 

State Rep. David Abbott (R-Rome City) represents House District 18,
which includes portions of Elkhart, Kosciusko, Noble and Whitley counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Tony Isa (R-Angola) represents House District 51,
which includes all of LaGrange County and a portion of Steuben County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.