State Rep. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) recently announced that Sullivan County and its surrounding areas are due for a major infrastructure boost. Through the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program, more than $1.7 million in state funding is set to roll out for local road and bridge projects, this initiative comes as part of a statewide plan that sees 245 communities benefit from over $200 million in state matching grants, as reported by Indiana House Republicans.
"Strong infrastructure is the foundation of strong communities," Borders was quoted in the announcement, he laid out the significant impact these grants will have on the daily travels of residents and the overall support they will extend to local businesses. Indiana's roads have garnered positive attention, with Consumer Affairs ranking it as the top state for overall road conditions, highlighting the low rate of traffic fatalities and the quality of its roads, according to the Indiana House Republicans.
The financial breakdown for the communities includes Merom receiving $24,842, Shelburn awarded $252,729, and Sullivan County itself getting a substantial $1.5 million for its infrastructure needs. The grants, which aim to address reconstruction, preservation, and the improvement of intersection among other projects, are part of an ongoing commitment that has, since 2016, directed more than $2 billion towards enhancing local roadways and bridges in Indiana.
Eligibility for these funds requires a local match of funds; smaller municipalities are to pitch in with a 25 percent match while larger ones are expected to contribute a 50 percent match in order to qualify for the funding, this plan ensures a balanced distribution of resources and shared commitment between the state and local governments—especially as the state mandates that half of the available matching funds are to be awarded annually to communities within counties that boast a population of 50,000 or less.
