STATEHOUSE (May 16, 2022) – Local communities will receive more than $2.5 million in state matching grants for road and bridge improvement projects, according to St. Joseph County lawmakers.
In total, more than 220 towns, cities and counties will receive about $107 million in state funding through the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program, established in 2016 and expanded through laws supported by State Rep. Dale DeVon (R-Granger). Funds, awarded twice a year, are 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.
"These state grants allow local governments to make many much-needed upgrades to roads and bridges in our communities," DeVon said. "Having safe and reliable infrastructure is important to improving quality of life and growing our economy."
Area grant recipients include St. Joseph County $1 million, New Carlisle $587,546 and South Bend $1 million.
"The Community Crossings Matching Grant Program creates critical partnerships between our state and local communities," said State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend). "It's great to see road improvements across our area, which will benefit residents and businesses alike."
As part of the grant program, 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.
"This funding allows every community no matter the size to make needed upgrades to local roads," said State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola). "Often times local governments face tight budgets, so these sate dollars can give them flexibility to address their short- and long-term infrastructure needs more quickly."
According to the Indiana Department of Transportation, which oversees and awards the grants, the next call for projects is expected in July. More information can be found at in.gov/indot/communitycrossings or by emailing LPAQuestions@indot.in.gov.
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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.
