Indiana's local roadways and bridges are set to receive an influx of over $1.6 million in state funding, thanks to the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program. The program is designed to support various infrastructure projects, including road reconstruction, bridge preservation, and intersection improvements. This year's allocation will benefit 245 communities across the state, which will collectively receive more than $200 million in state matching grants, as reported by State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka).
"Strong infrastructure is the foundation of strong communities," Borders said in a statement obtained by Indiana House Republicans. Indiana's commitment to its infrastructure was recently affirmed when ConsumerAffairs ranked the state as the best in the nation for overall road conditions, noting a low rate of traffic fatalities and the quality of the roads. Local areas set to directly benefit include Knox County with a $1.5 million grant, Oaktown with $82,201, and Wheatland which is to receive $74,999.
The funding structure requires municipalities to provide a local match—25 percent for smaller cities and towns, and 50 percent for larger communities. The program has a mandate that ensures 50 percent of the available funds are awarded annually to communities in counties with a population of 50,000 or fewer. Since its inception in 2016, Community Crossings has routed more than $2 billion towards neighborhood road and bridge enhancements.
"We all benefit from strong and reliable infrastructure throughout Indiana communities," Hostettler told Indiana House Republicans. The grants aim to significantly improve traffic flow and to ensure that the state's roads are safe for everyone, including commuting families and delivery trucks that are critical for keeping local businesses running.
