STATEHOUSE (April 14, 2020) – Local communities were recently awarded over $3.3 million in state matching grants to bolster road and bridge improvements, according to Elkhart County lawmakers.
Over 200 Indiana cities, towns and counties received a combined total of $126.5 million through the Community Crossings Matching Grant program. The grants are made available through the Indiana Department of Transportation as a result of a law passed in 2017.
"Hoosiers throughout the state continue to see improvements to our infrastructure as a result of this program," said State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart). "These dollars go directly toward making the roads and bridges in our area safer and creating jobs for community members."
Elkhart County received $915,532 for local road projects. In addition, several communities received matching grants:
State Rep. Christy Stutzman (R-Middlebury) said grant funding can be used toward road and bridge preservation, road reconstruction, intersection improvements, guardrail replacements and signage. Smaller municipalities must provide a match of 25% in local funds, while large communities must provide a 50% match.
“We use our roads every day,” Stutzman said. “By dedicating part of this money specifically for our rural towns, we are able to give more opportunities to improve quality of life and support local businesses.”
In total, more than $738 million has been distributed for local road projects through the Community Crossings program. State law requires annually that 50 percent of the available matching funds be awarded to communities within counties with a population of 50,000 or fewer.
"When updating and maintaining our state's roads, it is essential that we do not leave smaller communities behind," State Rep. Curt Nisly (R-Milford) said. “This grant money will go a long way in completing much-needed projects in our area.”
An estimated $100 million will be available for communities opting to apply for these grants during the July 2020 call for projects. More information about the program and recipients can be found at www.in.gov/indot.
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State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) represents House District 48,which includes portions of Elkhart County.
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State Rep. Curt Nisly (R-Milford) represents House District 22,which includes portions of Kosciusko and Elkhart counties.
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State Rep. Christy Stutzman (R-Middlebury) represents House District 49,which includes the eastern portion of Elkhart County.
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