STATEHOUSE (Dec. 7, 2022) – Over $1 million is headed to Jennings County communities to accelerate road and bridge improvements, according to State Reps. Randy Frye (R-Greensburg) and Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville).
Frye 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.
"For many years, we have thoughtfully managed the state's finances, and that's created opportunities like the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program," Frye said. "With these funds, we are taking care of our immediate infrastructure needs and planning for growth without creating additional debt or passing the buck to future generations."
Jennings County received $498,507 and North Vernon received $511,786. In total, 229 towns, cities and counties will receive over $119 million in state matching grants.
Meltzer 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, established in 2016 and expanded through laws supported by Frye.
"Matching grants are a great tool for communities of all sizes, especially in our rural areas," Meltzer said. "The quality of our local infrastructure plays an integral role in supporting jobs, farmers, economic development and beyond. I look forward to seeing more improvements coming to our area."
According to the Indiana Department of Transportation, which oversees and awards the grants, the next call for projects is expected in January. Awards are released 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. Randy Frye (R-Greensburg) represents House District 67,
which includes portions of Decatur, Jefferson, Jennings and Ripley counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville) represents House District 73,
which includes portions of Bartholomew, Decatur, Jennings and Shelby counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
