Lawmakers Talk About Matching Grants

Indiana’s Community Crossings Matching Grants that were awarded to local communities for local road and bridge projects, were talked about by legislators representing Montgomery County.

“Investing in our local roads and bridges is essential for keeping our communities connected and well-maintained,” said State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle). “These funds will go a long way in improving infrastructure and fostering economic growth, ensuring Hoosiers can travel safely and efficiently for years to come.”

The Community Crossings Matching Grant Program provides local communities funding for road reconstruction, bridge preservation, intersection improvements and other projects. This year, 245 Indiana communities will receive more than $200 million in state matching grants.

Indiana was recently ranked as the best state in the nation for overall road conditions by Consumer Affairs, noting our low rate of traffic fatalities and quality of roads.

“Road updates, maintenance and projects are essential for keeping our roadways safe and functional for Hoosiers,” said State Rep. Mark Genda (R-Frankfort). “With the help of the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program, our smaller communities can tackle these large, necessary projects.”

Area grant recipients include Crawfordsville ($688,176), Montgomery County ($1.5 million) and New Market ($290,187).

“Hoosiers and visitors alike rely on our roads to safely reach their destinations,” said State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton). “Programs like Community Crossings are why our state is considered one of the best for infrastructure.”

State Rep. Matt Commons (R-Williamsport) said to qualify for funding, smaller municipalities must provide a 25 percent match in local funds, while larger communities must provide a 50 percent match. The state requires 50 percent of available matching funds be awarded annually to communities within counties with a population of 50,000 or less. Since 2016, Community Crossings has awarded more than $2 billion to improve local roads and bridges.

“Not every area has the resources or funds to take on major road and bridge projects that could bring economic growth,” Commons said. “Community Crossings grants give communities and towns the additional support needed to attract new business and opportunities to rural areas.”

Baird represents House District 44,which includes all of Putnam County and a portion of Montgomery County. Genda represents House District 41, which includes portions of Boone, Clinton, Montgomery and Tippecanoe counties. Commons represents House District 13, which includes all of Benton and Warren counties, and portions of Fountain, Jasper, Montgomery, Newton, Tippecanoe and White counties. Thompson represents House District 28, which includes portions of Boone, Hendricks and Montgomery counties.