Indy Standard

Indiana's Community Crossings Matching Grant Program has allocated over $981,000 in state funding for local road and bridge projects. State Representatives Matt Lehman (R-Berne) and Lorissa Sweet (R-Wabash) announced the awards as part of a larger initiative where 245 Indiana communities will receive more than $200 million in state matching grants this year.

The program supports local communities with funding for various infrastructure projects, including road reconstruction, bridge preservation, and intersection improvements. "The Community Crossings Matching Grant Program enables us to meet our local infrastructure needs while strategically planning for the years ahead," stated Rep. Lehman. He emphasized that maintaining and improving roads is crucial for growth, safety, and attracting businesses and residents.

Consumer Affairs recently ranked Indiana as the best state for overall road conditions, highlighting low traffic fatalities and high-quality roads. Local recipients of the grant include Ossian, receiving $652,432, and Wells County with $328,606.

Rep. Sweet explained that smaller municipalities must match 25 percent of the funds locally to qualify for the grants, while larger communities are required to provide a 50 percent match. The state mandates that half of the available matching funds be distributed annually to counties with populations of 50,000 or less. Since its inception in 2016, Community Crossings has awarded over $2 billion for local infrastructure enhancements.

"Essential upgrades to road and bridges not only keep Hoosiers safe but they also support our local businesses and economy," said Sweet. She noted these projects play a vital role in attracting new residents and employers.

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