Indy Standard

Indiana's Community Crossings Matching Grant Program has allocated over $10 million to local communities for road and bridge projects, as announced by Lake County legislators. The program supports road reconstruction, bridge preservation, intersection improvements, and other infrastructure projects. This year, 245 Indiana communities will receive more than $200 million in state matching grants.

"These matching grants are so important for smaller communities that need assistance for necessary road maintenance and infrastructure projects," stated State Representative Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron). He expressed optimism about the funding enabling local areas to advance their projects.

Consumer Affairs recently ranked Indiana as the top state in the nation for overall road conditions, highlighting its low rate of traffic fatalities and quality roads.

The grant recipients in the area include Cedar Lake with $342,000; Dyer receiving $1.5 million; Gary also getting $1.5 million; Griffith with $534,863; Lake Station awarded $1 million; Lowell receiving $602,788; Munster with a grant of $1.5 million; New Chicago getting $421,428; Schererville awarded $1.1 million; and Winfield receiving $1.5 million.

"Roads and bridges are integral to the growth of our towns and cities," said State Representative Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point). She emphasized that these grants enable communities to undertake larger projects that enhance accessibility and opportunity.

State Representative Hal Slager (R-Schererville) explained that smaller municipalities must provide a 25 percent match in local funds to qualify for funding, while larger communities need a 50 percent match. Additionally, 50 percent of available matching funds are annually awarded to communities within counties with populations of 50,000 or less. Since its inception in 2016, Community Crossings has distributed over $2 billion to improve local roads and bridges.

"Community Crossings Grants help both rural and urban communities with needed financial assistance to sustain existing infrastructure and plan for future expansion," Slager noted. "Whether growing or improving, roads and bridges are essential for connection, business and quality of life."

For further details on grant recipients or information about the program visit in.gov/indot/communitycrossings.