STATEHOUSE (Nov. 4, 2021) –  Southwest Indiana counties and communities will receive more than $2.7 million in state matching grants to steer toward much-needed road improvement projects, according to local lawmakers.
State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville) said 218 towns, cities, and counties throughout Indiana received a combined total of over $101 million through the Community Crossings Matching Grant program. The Indiana Department of Transportation oversees and distributes these grants twice each year.
“Community Crossing grants help address two top priorities in our state: keeping Hoosiers safe and boosting our economy,” O’Brien said. “Reliable, safe transportation infrastructure is crucial for areas both urban and rural.”
State matching grant recipients include Vanderburgh County $742,378, Warrick County $601,416 and these local communities:
- Elberfeld $102,496;
- Mount Vernon $345,794;
- Newburgh $955,376; and
- Patoka $49,269.
State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) said communities can use these funds for road and bridge preservation, road reconstruction, intersection improvements, guardrail replacements, and signage.
“Infrastructure investments affect all aspects of our economy, including farming, trucking, manufacturing, retail, tourism, healthcare, and more,” McNamara said. “Well-maintained roads and bridges will help us continue to maintain our deserving reputation as the Crossroads of America.”
Smaller municipalities must provide a 25 percent match in local funds, while large communities must provide a 50 percent match.
“Through working together at the state and local level, much-needed funds will be invested in our local community to update and maintain roads and bridges,” said State Rep. Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh).
State law requires that 50 percent of the available matching funds be awarded annually to communities within counties with a population of 50,000 or fewer.
“Cooperation between state and local leaders made this funding possible and I look forward to seeing the investments in Southwest Indiana,” said State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka). “Hoosiers deserve strong infrastructure connecting neighborhoods, towns and cities.”
More information about the program and recipients can be found online at in.gov/indot/communitycrossings.
