Commissioners approve submitting two projects for NOFA Grant and Safety Grant

Monday, November 25, 2024 at 3:00 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

During the County Commissioners’ meeting last week, Highway Superintendent Jason Peters sought guidance for the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) call for projects with a Dec. 6 application deadline. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is accepting applications for rural federal aid projects. Awards will be announced in the spring of 2025. This call for projects will be for projects with development to be commenced by Sept. 1, 2025.

Peters presented two projects for consideration. First was Linden Road, which will serve as access to industries on the west side of U.S. 31 when the state begins closing off crossroads as part of the freeway project between U.S. 10 and U.S. 110. This will be the third time the county has submitted Linden Road for consideration. The commissioners are thinking of the future with this request which will include a major project with the railroad. The award of this project would require the county to pay 20% of the cost.

The second project is the Michigan Road Bridge north of U.S. 6 over the railroad. This project would rehab the bridge. The most recent inspection of the bridge showed the need to address it sooner rather than later. This project would be an 80/20 split for the county.

The County Commissioners told Peters to submit both projects for consideration.

Peters was also given approval to apply for the Safety Grant. The funds will be used to replace and upgrade guardrails and allow for the purchase of a digital speed limit trailer and speed limit sign.

Peters projected the cost to be $500,000 with the county match to be 10% or $50,000.