STATEHOUSE (Dec. 15, 2020) – Local communities recently received more than $2.1 million in state matching grants for road and bridge improvements, according to Wells County lawmakers.
Over 240 Indiana cities, towns and counties received a combined total of more than $101 million through the Community Crossings Matching Grant program, which was established through a 2016 law supported by State Reps. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) and Dan Leonard (R-Huntington). Grants are made available through the Indiana Department of Transportation.
"Communities, large and small, must continuously ensure our local roads and bridges are safe and reliable," Lehman said. "Most of us depend on this infrastructure, and we have come to use it for a lot of aspects of our lives, whether it be to get to school, church and work, or to have packages quickly delivered to our homes and businesses. This more than $2 million coming to Wells County will be put to good use."
Wells County received $479,646 for local road and bridge projects. In addition, the following local communities received matching grants:
"Hoosiers from each one of these communities will benefit from the infrastructure improvements made possible by this funding," Leonard said. "The ability for local governments to receive up to 75 percent of additional funding by partnering with the state means much-needed repairs can begin sooner rather than later. This is a big win for Wells County."
According to Leonard, the funding can be used 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.
In total, State Rep. Ann Vermilion (R-Marion) said more than $830 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.
"Investing in our local infrastructure is a key component of our economic growth and vitality," Vermilion said. "When we provide a strong network of roads and bridges, especially without taking on loads of debt, we are sending out a strong signal to job creators that Indiana is open for business and ready for them to succeed here."
More information about the program and recipients can be found online at in.gov/indot/communitycrossings.
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State Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) represents House District 79,
which includes all of Adams County and portions of Allen and Wells counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Dan Leonard (R-Huntington) represents House District 50, which
includes all of Huntington County and portions of Allen and Wells counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Ann Vermilion (R-Marion) represents House District 31,
which includes all of Blackford County and portions of Delaware, Grant and Wells counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
