STATEHOUSE (Dec. 8, 2022) – Over $613,000 is headed to a Whitley County community to accelerate local road and bridge improvements, according to State Reps. Dave Abbott (R-Rome City) and Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne).
Abbott said the local funding from the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program is 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. In total, 229 towns, cities and counties will receive over $119 million in state matching grants.
"This funding allows local governments to take a look at their infrastructure and make necessary upgrades," Abbott said. "Having access to safe roads and bridges is essential, and it's great to see additional dollars coming to our communities for road improvements."
Area grant recipient include Columbia City ($613,372).
Judy said 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.
"Our state's economy relies heavily on a strong transportation infrastructure," Judy said. "Having reliable roads and bridges makes it easier for companies across Indiana to efficiently move goods and connect supply chains. This is especially important here in northeast Indiana, as we are a hub to many major Midwestern cities that are within a 3- or 4-hour drive."
According to the Indiana Department of Transportation, which oversees and awards the grants, the next call for projects is expected in January. Awards are releases two times a year. More information can be found at in.gov/indot/communitycrossings or by emailing LPAQuestions@indot.in.gov.
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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. Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne) represents House District 83,
which includes portions of Allen and Whitley counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
