Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb and Indiana Department of Transportation Commissioner Joe McGuinness paid a visit to Jasper Wednesday afternoon to announce that 396 Indiana cities, towns and counties received a combined $150 million in state matching funds for local road projects through the Next Level Roads: Community Crossings Initiative and a number of local counties and municipalities were on the receiving end.
Wednesday’s gathering in the council chambers of Jasper City Hall that was filled with county, state, municipal and business officials from all over INDOT’s Vincennes District was the first in a series of presentations being held around the state.
Holcomb says superior local roads are a key factor in maintaining the state’s reputation as the Crossroads of America. He says he was encouraged that a record number of communities applied for and received funds this year.
In just its second year, the Community Crossings Initiative has awarded near $300 million dollars in state matching funds to local governments for road construction projects. This year 467 communities applied for funds – a 48 percent increase from last year – making 2017 truly competitive.
One of if not the largest single amount to be received by a community went to the City of Jasper who was awarded an even 1 million dollars.
Jasper Mayor Terry Seitz says the funding will allow the city to transform their annual budget.
Meanwhile the city of Huntingburg picked up a match of $396,198 dollars.
Mayor Denny Spinner says it was an exciting moment for the community and says the funding is part of a continuation of their efforts to make significant improvement to the infrastructure of the city.
And in the Town of Ferdinand, the community fared very well picking up funding in the amount of $445,440 dollars.
Town Council President Ken Sicard says the money like all others is a huge boost.
Rural areas of Dubois County received over $631,000 dollars.
Other local areas include Spencer County who received $670,000 dollars, Perry County just under $573,000, Pike County just over $566,000, Orange nearly $479,000, Daviess County more than $467,000 and Martin County an even $670,000.
Also on hand yesterday was District 48 State Senator Mark Messmer and District 63 State Representative Mike Braun.
Braun said in a release that as a part of their long-term and sustainable road funding plan, the Community Crossings program provides local governments with the additional funds they need to make immediate road and bridge improvements in their communities.
He says the significant infrastructure investment will serve as a spark for the local economy, creating jobs and encouraging more businesses to locate and grow in Southwest Indiana.
Braun co-authored legislation creating the Community Crossings grant program in 2016.
The list of all communities receiving matching funds in 2017 is online at in.gov/indot/communitycrossings.
