INDIANAPOLIS — Communities around Indiana received a combined $101 million in state matching funds for local road projects through Community Crossings, a part of the state's Next Level Roads program.
Gov. Eric Holcomb and Indiana Department of Transportation Commissioner Joe McGuiness announced Tuesday that 241 Indiana cities, towns and counties received the funds.
“As we navigate through the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re as committed as ever to improving and building our state’s infrastructure," Holcomb said in a news release. "I’m incredibly pleased that we’re able to fund all of the high-priority local road projects submitted in this round. Taking care of our local roads is key to making sure our communities remain attractive places to grow businesses and create careers.”
The Community Crossings program has provided more than $830 million in state matching grants for construction projects. This year, INDOT moved its call for projects from July to September due to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the state.
"The $101 million award is funded by the balance available in the state’s local road and bridge matching grant fund at the end of the 2020 fiscal year as well as revenue collected so far in the 2021 fiscal year," the news release said.
In order to qualify for funding, local governments must provide local matching funds — 50% for larger communities or 25% for small communities — from a funding source approved for road and bridge construction. The state also requires communities submit an INDOT-approved asset management plan for maintaining existing roads and bridges. Half of the matching funds must be awarded to counties with a population of 50,000 or less.
"The Community Crossings Matching Grant Program is a unique partnership between the state and cities, towns and counties, and it's proven to be a big win for businesses and Hoosier drivers alike," Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers, said in a statement.
Click here to see which towns, cities and counties received funding.
