STATEHOUSE (Nov. 4, 2021) – St. Joseph County communities will receive more than $1.6 million in state matching grants to steer toward much-needed road improvement projects, according to local legislators.
State Rep. Dale DeVon (R-Granger) said 218 towns, cities and counties throughout Indiana received a combined total of over $101 million through the Community Crossings Matching Grant program. The Indiana General Assembly supported legislation establishing the program in 2016 and its expansion in 2017. The Indiana Department of Transportation oversees and distributes these grants twice each year.
"These grants provide funding to local governments to make practical design improvements and much-needed safety upgrades to their roads and bridges," DeVon said. "As a top state for infrastructure, we want to show the world that Indiana has the resources and infrastructure to compete in a growing global economy."
The following communities received state matching grants:
"For some of our small communities, this money will go a long way to address their infrastructure needs without stretching their budgets too far," said State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend). "We owe it to all motorists to ensure they have safe roadways while traveling throughout our state. Making sure no community – small or large – is left behind is essential if we want to see all sides of our state thrive."
Teshka said communities can use these funds for road and bridge preservation, road reconstruction, intersection improvements, guardrail replacements and signage. Smaller municipalities must provide a 25 percent match in local funds, while large communities must provide a 50 percent match. State law requires that 50 percent of the available matching funds be awarded annually to communities within counties with a population of 50,000 or fewer.
"The Community Crossings Grant program works because of the strong partnerships between our state and local cities, towns and counties," said State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola). "I hope to see continued growth in our area as more road and bridge projects take shape."
More information about the program and recipients can be found online at in.gov/indot/communitycrossings.
-30-
State Rep. Dale DeVon (R-Granger) represents House District 5,
which includes portions of St. Joseph County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) represents House District 7,
which includes the majority of St. Joseph County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola) represents House District 21,
which includes portions of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
