INDOT announces $99.2 million in state matching funds for infrastructure projects

Photo courtesy INDOT.Photo courtesy INDOT.

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announced its plans to give more than 200 local government agencies a total of $99.2 million in state matching funds through the Next Level Roads: Community Crossings Initiative to help them pay for infrastructure projects, Transport Topics reports.

“High-quality local roads and bridges are an important part of our formula for attracting jobs, growing our economy and building strong communities,” Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said in a statement. “Our fully funded Next Level Roads plan and record-breaking level of construction has gained Indiana national recognition for our approach to infrastructure, and Community Crossings takes that commitment to the local level all across the state.”

Applications for the program are accepted twice a year, in January and July, and the most recent round of funding attracted more applications than there were dollars available. There is also a $1 million annual cap per community for local government agencies. An estimated $100 million will be available to communities applying in January 2020. Each project is evaluated on a basis of need, traffic volume, local support, regional economics and impact on mobility.

“Efficiently and safely moving people and commerce is vital to the quality of life and vitality of our communities,” said INDOT Commissioner Joe McGuinness, according to the news agency. “INDOT is excited to partner with communities through this matching grant program to make infrastructure investments that contribute to the success of all Hoosier cities, towns and counties.”

To be considered for the program, local government agencies must provide matching funds from a source approved for road and bridge construction. Small communities have to match 25 percent, while larger communities have to match 50 percent. They must also submit an asset management plan approved by INDOT for maintaining existing roads and bridges.