STATEHOUSE (March 9, 2021) – State Rep. Jake Teshka's (R-South Bend) legislation to increase transparency of local infrastructure improvement plans and assets could soon be signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb.
On Monday, the Indiana Senate unanimously passed House Enrolled Act 1576, Teshka's first bill as a new legislator, that would require the Indiana Department of Transportation to publicize local transportation asset management plans online. He said these plans are strategic processes developed for operating, maintaining and improving road infrastructure.
"These types of plans are required by the state when counties and communities apply for Community Crossings Matching Grants," Teshka said. "So, the plans already exist, and we're just making them more accessible to the general public."
The Community Crossings Matching Grant Program was established in 2016 as part of Indiana's long-term efforts to improve infrastructure by providing funding for local road and bridge projects across the state. According to Teshka, the state allocated more than $830 million to support local road and bridge projects over the last four years.
In 2019, CNBC ranked Indiana the best state in the nation for infrastructure.
House Enrolled Act 1576 now heads to the governor for consideration as a new law. For more information, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) represents House District 7, which includes the majority of St. Joseph County.
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