State funding hits the road for local infrastructure improvements

Area grant recipients include Fillmore ($318,952), Greencastle ($1.5 million) and Roachdale ($251,739).

Local communities will soon be on the move with more road and bridge projects with the help of recently released state funding, according to State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle).

Funding is available through Indiana's Community Crossings Matching Grant Program, which can be used for road reconstruction, bridge preservation, intersection improvements and other projects. A total of 223 communities across the state will receive more than $139 million in state matching grants.

"Road and bridge maintenance can be challenging for local governments, especially when budgets are tight," said Baird, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. "Community Crossings grants are a critical tool, enabling our communities to complete essential infrastructure projects and keep their roads safer for everyone."

Area grant recipients include Fillmore ($318,952), Greencastle ($1.5 million) and Roachdale ($251,739).

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 $1.8 billion to improve local roads and bridges.