STATEHOUSE (April 19, 2022) – Local communities will receive more than $8.4 million in state matching grants for road and bridge improvement projects, according to Northwest Indiana lawmakers.
"Indiana is known as the Crossroads of America because so many motorists come through our state," said State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie), chair of the House Roads and Transportation Committee. "It's important we continue to make it a priority to invest in our infrastructure to improve safety and efficiency, and boost our overall quality of life."
In total, 223 towns, cities and counties will receive more than $107 million in state funding through the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program. Funds, awarded twice a year, are 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.
"Investing in our infrastructure will always be a priority, especially for smaller towns and more rural communities," said State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron). "The Community Crossings Program has funded much-needed projects to improve our roads and bridges, and we're seeing the positive results this has created."
Area grant recipients include:
"This program provides communities the opportunity to receive the needed funds for local infrastructure projects," said Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point). "These projects will not only improve roads and bridges, but also create construction jobs and help boost our economy."
"Many of our smaller communities don't have the funds needed to complete infrastructure projects, which is why the Community Crossings Program exists," said State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville). “The program distributes money across the state and ensures Indiana maintains a strong and sustainable infrastructure to boost the economy and promote growth.”
As part of the grant program, established in 2016 and expanded through laws authored by State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso), member of the House Roads and Transportation committee, 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.
"Community Crossings is a fully-funded program that makes critical investments in our roads and bridges across the state without passing on debt to the next generation," Soliday said. "This is a unique partnership between the state and locals, and will help maintain and improve our roads now and into the future."
According to the Indiana Department of Transportation, which oversees and awards the grants, the next call for projects is expected in July. More information can be found at in.gov/indot/communitycrossings or by emailing LPAQuestions@indot.in.gov.
-30-
State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) represents House District 11,
which includes portions of Lake and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) represents House District 19,
which includes a portion of Lake and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) represents House District 20,
which includes portions of LaPorte and Starke counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville) represents House District 15,
which includes portions of Lake County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) represents House
District 4, which includes a portion of Porter County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
