Vanderburgh County and the city of Evansville recently received over $1.1 million in state matching grants to accelerate road and bridge improvements, according to area legislators.
This local funding is part of the nearly $100 million recently awarded to Indiana cities, towns and counties through the Community Crossings Matching Grant program, according to State Reps. Holli Sullivan (R-Evansville), Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch). Grants are made available through the Indiana Department of Transportation and funded through the state budget.
“Our long-term investment and commitment to roads and bridges resulted in Indiana being named the top state in the nation for infrastructure,†Sullivan said. “These funds will help our communities improve our local roads and bridges, ensuring we have a strong foundation for the future.â€
As part of the program, Vanderburgh County received $401,754 and Evansville received $752,008 for local road projects.
“This program demonstrates how our state and local communities can work together on behalf of all Hoosiers,†McNamara said. “Roads and bridges connect us, and this investment will go a long way toward keeping our infrastructure in good condition.â€
McNamara said grant funding can be used toward road and bridge preservation, road reconstruction, intersection improvements, guardrail replacements and signage. Smaller municipalities must provide a match of 25% in local funds, while large communities must provide a 50% match.
“Programs like Community Crossings are a win-win for our community and state,†Hostettler said. “With Indiana’s constantly changing weather, we have to work hard to keep up the maintenance on our roads and bridges.â€
Since 2017, state road investment is up 50% as Indiana has dedicated $3 billion to road and bridge projects across the state.
More information about the program and recipients can be found at www.in.gov/indot.
