$1M for county projects; Cicero getting over $900K, Sheridan $145K
Hamilton County communities will receive more than $2 million in state matching grants for road and bridge improvement projects, according to area lawmakers.
House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) said 223 towns, cities and counties will receive more than $107 million in state funding through the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program.
“In Hamilton County, our population and our local businesses continue to expand, and it’s exciting to see all of the economic development,” Huston said. “The quality of our roads must keep up with this momentum. The Community Crossings program is a great example of how our local communities and the state work together to improve our infrastructure and make a difference for Hoosiers.”
State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) said 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.
“Every dollar counts, and many communities don’t have the resources to fully fund larger projects,” Cook said. “Partnering with the state really helps locals maintain our roads and bridges without stretching budgets beyond their means.”
Area grant recipients include Hamilton County at $1 million, Cicero at $910,623 and Sheridan at $145,836.
According to State Rep. Chuck Goodrich (R-Noblesville), as part of the grant program, established in 2016 and expanded through laws supported by local lawmakers, smaller municipalities provide a 25 percent match in local funds, while large communities provide a 50 percent match.
“Indiana’s economy remains strong and the quality of our infrastructure plays a big part in that success,” Goodrich said. “Continuing to improve our roads and bridges in communities large and small, means Hoosiers, visitors and businesses will reap the benefits.”
State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) said 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.
“Investing in our infrastructure also adds to our quality of life,” Jeter said. “Through this program, we’re paving the way for projects without passing debt to future generations while ensuring our roads are safe and functioning for years to come.”
State Rep. Donna Schaibley (R-Carmel) said to date, Hoosier communities are on the receiving end of more than $1 billion in Community Crossings Matching Grants.
“Our roads help drive our state and local economy, which is why it’s encouraging to see these investments in local infrastructure,” Schaibley said. “Many of the projects funded through Community Crossings would not have been possible without these matching grants.”
According to State Rep. Jerry Torr (R-Carmel), the Indiana Department of Transportation, which oversees and awards the grants, will issue its next call for projects in July.
“These grants help tackle critical infrastructure projects that keep residents, businesses and visitors safe on our roads, and moving more efficiently,” Torr said. “It’s great to see our local communities take advantage of these state grants year after year and deliver tangible results.”
More information can be found at in.gov/indot/communitycrossings or by emailing LPAQuestions@indot.in.gov.