STATEHOUSE — Over $1.6 million is headed to Montgomery County communities to accelerate road and bridge improvements, according to area legislators.
State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) said the local funding from the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program is 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.
“Indiana is considered one of the top states for infrastructure, and this program is a major reason why,” Baird said. “Communities across the state have utilized these grants for essential road improvements.”
Area grant recipients include Montgomery County ($999,542), Crawfordsville ($421,318) and Ladoga ($189,309).
State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) said 229 towns, cities and counties will receive more than $119 million in state matching grants.
“With Community Crossings Grants, Hoosier communities large and small can continue investing in their immediate infrastructure needs and plan for future growth,” Thompson said. “This local funding will be put to good use as we ensure roads and bridges are safe and functioning for years to come.”
State Rep. Sharon Negele (R-Attica) said smaller municipalities provide a 25% match in local funds, while large communities provide a 50% match. State law requires 50% of the available matching funds be awarded annually to communities within counties with a population of 50,000 or fewer.
“Our communities are growing, and local infrastructure must keep up with demand in order for us to continue to progress,” Negele said. “With this funding from the Community Crossings Grant Program, local governments can work to improve roads and bridges on behalf of hardworking Hoosiers, and stretch their dollars even further.”
To date, Hoosier communities are on the receiving end of more than $1 billion in Community Crossings Matching Grants, established in 2016 and expanded through laws supported by Negele and Thompson.
“Road repairs come with a high price tag and these grants help make necessary road projects possible,” said State Rep. Mark Genda (R-Frankfort). “Hoosiers and businesses alike depend on safe and functional roads, and by investing in these infrastructure projects we are also investing in the success of our communities.”
According to the Indiana Department of Transportation, which oversees and awards the grants, the next call for projects is expected in January. Awards are released two times a year. More information can be found at in.gov/indot/communitycrossings or by emailing LPAQuestions@indot.in.gov.
