STATEHOUSE (Oct. 30, 2026) – Howard County is receiving more than $650,000 in state funding for road and bridge projects, according to State Reps. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo).
Through the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program, established in a 2016 law passed by House Republicans, local communities partner with the state for road repairs, bridge maintenance, intersection upgrades and other infrastructure projects. During this round, a total of 345 cities, towns and counties statewide received nearly $110 million in state matching grants.
"Investing in our roads and bridges is an ongoing responsibility, and programs like this help communities keep up with that work," Karickhoff said. "This funding allows local leaders to continue addressing infrastructure needs while planning responsibly for the years ahead."
In 2026, ConsumerAffairs ranked Indiana the best state in the nation for road quality for the second year in a row. They rated 97% of the state's roads as being in solid shape, the highest rate nationally.
"Local officials know their communities best and understand which infrastructure projects need attention," VanNatter said. "Community Crossings Matching Grants gives them an opportunity to prioritize those needs and partner with the state to turn local plans into meaningful improvements."
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.
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. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) represents House District 30,
which includes portions of Grant and Howard counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) represents House District 38,
which includes all of Carroll and Tipton counties, and
portions of Cass, Clinton, Howard and Tippecanoe counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
