When we think about infrastructure, we may not realize the role it plays in our daily lives and its importance to our community as a whole. Our roads and bridges are necessary to get to work and school, and to transport goods to and from local businesses. Indiana understands the relationship between quality infrastructure and a thriving economy. To support both, the state provides funding through the Community Crossings Matching Grant program for local road and bridge projects.
In total, Wayne County and its communities received over $11 million since the start of the Community Crossings program. The matching grants can be used for a variety of infrastructure projects, including road and bridge reconstruction, intersection improvements, guard rail replacement and signage work.
While we may see infrastructure improvements on a surface level, the benefits that come with investing in roads and bridges are much deeper. Projects provide jobs and attract new investments in our community and state. Our local businesses require reliable roads in order to ship and receive goods. In fact, 80 percent of Indiana's manufactured goods are shipped via truck transportation, according to Conexus Indiana.
Community Crossings Matching Grants are awarded twice a year, with the next round of funding expected to be announced next spring. To learn more and apply before the upcoming Jan. 28 deadline, visit in.gov/indot.
Strong roads support a strong economy. With the Community Crossings Matching Grant program, we are paving the way for projects without passing debt to future generations while ensuring our roads are safe and functioning for years to come.
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State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) represents House District 56,
which includes portions of Wayne County.
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