STATEHOUSE (Dec. 7, 2022) – Over $1.3 million is headed to local communities to accelerate road and bridge improvements, according to local lawmakers.
State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville) 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.
"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."
Shelby County grant recipients include Edinburgh ($595,846) and Shelbyville ($782,146).
State Rep. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown) 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.
"Making investments in infrastructure is necessary to help our rural communities stay competitive in today's economy," Criswell said. "From transporting goods to connecting us to school and work, we depend on local infrastructure in our daily lives and have to ensure its functioning for years to come."
"These grants give local governments more budget flexibility when planning road projects," said State Rep. Robb Greene (R-Shelbyville). "Whether you're a parent, farmer or small-business owner, having access to quality roads is critical. It's great to see additional dollars coming to our area and I'm excited to see more improvements coming our way."
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. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown) represents House District 54,
which includes portions of Hancock, Henry, Rush and Shelby counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Robb Greene (R-Shelbyville) represents House District 47,
which includes portions of Johnson and Shelby counties.
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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.
