Local communities receive state funding to roll ahead on road projects

Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 6:55 PM

Putnam County and Bainbridge can roll forward with road and bridge projects thanks to a recent boost in state funding supported by State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle).

A total of 252 communities across the state will receive over $207 million through Indiana's Community Crossings Matching Grant Program. Funds can be used for road and bridge preservation, road reconstruction, intersection improvements and other items.

"Maintaining infrastructure can be a costly endeavor for any size community," said Baird, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which is responsible for crafting the state budget. "These grants have helped locals across the state finish essential projects faster so our roads, bridges and intersections receive necessary improvements."

Putnam County received over $1.4 million and Bainbridge received $396,618.

To qualify for the competitive grant, smaller municipalities provide a 25 percent match in local funds, while larger communities provide a 50 percent match. State law requires 50 percent of the available matching funds be awarded annually to communities within counties with a population of 50,000 or fewer.

Since 2016, Community Crossings has awarded more than $1.6 billion to improve local roads and bridges.