STATEHOUSE (April 29, 2021) – Indiana recently awarded more than $8.8 million in state matching grants to local communities for road and bridge improvements, according to Northwest Indiana lawmakers.
"Indiana has seen continued improvements to its infrastructure over the last five years thanks to this program," said State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso), author of the 2016 law creating Indiana's long-term road funding plan. "These investments in our local roads and bridges will not only help Hoosiers now, but well into the future."
Through the Community Crossings Matching Grant program, 218 Hoosier cities, towns and counties received a combined total of over $100 million. State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) said the Indiana Department of Transportation oversees and distributes these grants twice each year.
"The condition of our infrastructure affects our economy as a whole," said Pressel, chair of the House Roads and Transportation Committee. "As the Crossroads of America we have to maintain and improve our roads and bridges, and this grant program helps communities complete local projects much more quickly."
Porter County received $1 million for local road and bridge projects. In addition, 18 local communities in the area received grants:
"These grants are continuing to help grow our state with big investments in our infrastructure," said State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. "The funding provided to our local communities, both large and small, will allow them to complete critical projects and address future needs."
State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) 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.
"Community Crossings ensures that our smaller, rural communities aren't left behind," Olthoff said. "Better roads can lead to an increase in economic development and quality of life. This program is a great example of how the state and locals can come together to make a positive difference on our infrastructure."
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.
"Improving and maintaining our local infrastructure will always be a top priority," State Rep. Michael Aylesworth said. "These grants have proven to be a tremendous success across the state as we continue to grow."
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. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) represents House District 11,
which includes portions of Lake and Porter counties.
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State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) represents House District 19,
which includes a portion of Lake and Porter counties.
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State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) represents House District 20,
which includes portions of LaPorte and Starke counties.
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State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville) represents House District 15,
which includes portions of Lake County.
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State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) represents House
District 4, which includes a portion of Porter County.
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