STATEHOUSE (Nov. 6, 2023) – Vanderburgh County and Evansville are set to receive a combined total of more than $1 million in state funding to help complete road and bridge projects, according to area legislators.
State funding is available for local projects through the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program, including road and bridge preservation, road reconstruction, intersection improvements and other items. In total, over 180 towns, cities and counties will receive more than $91 million in state matching grants.
“The Community Crossings program has helped Hoosier communities of all sizes complete essential infrastructure projects more quickly,” said State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee tasked with crafting the state budget. “These dollars will be put to good use as we focus on keeping our roads and bridges safe and functioning for years to come.”
Vanderburgh County will receive $517,027 and Evansville will receive $555,335.
“Indiana is one of the top-rated states for infrastructure, and this program is a big reason why,” said State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville). “Thousands of motorists travel through Southwest Indiana every day so it’s important that we invest in our roadways and keep them well-maintained.”
To qualify for the competitive grant, smaller municipalities provide a 25 percent match in local funds, while larger communities provide a 50 percent match. 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. Since 2016, Community Crossings has awarded more than $1.2 billion to improve local roads and bridges.
“Indiana’s economic success depends in part on having safe and reliable infrastructure,” said State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka). “These grants go a long way toward ensuring our momentum continues while helping our communities attract and retain residents.”
