Indy Standard

Johnson County lawmakers have announced that local communities will benefit from state funding for road and bridge projects. This funding is provided through Indiana's Community Crossings Matching Grant Program, which supports road reconstruction, bridge preservation, intersection improvements, and other infrastructure projects. A total of 223 communities across the state are set to receive over $139 million in matching grants.

State Rep. Michelle Davis (R-Whiteland) emphasized the importance of strong infrastructure, stating, "Strong infrastructure is the backbone of our local economies. These grants will allow our communities to make much-needed improvements, helping ensure roads are safe and local businesses and residents can continue to thrive."

Craig Haggard highlighted the impact of these grants on addressing critical needs: "Local infrastructure projects often face delays due to lack of funding," Haggard said. "These grants provide the necessary resources to address critical road repairs and bridge maintenance, ensuring our local infrastructure is safe, and Hoosiers and businesses are connected."

Several areas have been named as grant recipients: Bargersville with $1.5 million; Edinburgh receiving $1.4 million; Franklin awarded $611,246; Greenwood getting $1.4 million; and Johnson County also receiving $1.4 million.

State Rep. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, commented on the significance of maintaining roads: "Keeping our roads and bridges in good condition is essential for both safety and economic growth," she said. "Through this state partnership, communities can tackle key projects that might otherwise be delayed, benefiting everyone who lives and works here."

To qualify for these competitive grants, smaller municipalities must provide a 25 percent match in local funds while larger communities must provide a 50 percent match. State law mandates that half of the available matching funds be allocated annually to communities within counties with populations of 50,000 or fewer.

Since its inception in 2016, Community Crossings has awarded more than $1.8 billion for improving local roads and bridges statewide.

State Rep. Robb Greene (R-Shelbyville) noted the importance of well-maintained transportation routes: "Whether the destination is a mile down the road or three counties over, having well-maintained roads and bridges is of utmost importance," he stated. "Community Crossings works with local communities to make sure no matter where drivers are headed, they can get there more safely."

For more information about the program visit in.gov/indot/communitycrossings.