More
than $160 Million Going to Rural Communities for Infrastructure Improvements
Projects
will Improve Roads and Bridges, Make Communities More Walkable and Bikeable
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Transportation
announced today that $161.2 million in federal transportation funding is being
awarded to 66 cities, towns, and counties in rural portions of Indiana to
invest in local road and bridge improvements as well as sidewalk and trail
projects. Combined with local funds, approximately $212 million is being
invested in infrastructure in communities receiving funds.
Types of projects receiving funds include 27 bridge
rehabilitation/replacement projects; 31 resurfacing/reconstruction projects; 17
Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) projects that include work such as
sidewalks, ADA ramps, and trails; and 6 traffic safety projects.
“Indiana is investing in transportation at record levels and
that includes more than just our highways,” INDOT Commissioner Joe McGuinness
said. “Our sustained commitment to modernizing local roads and bridges, adding
sidewalks, and growing our trail networks sends a clear message that we’re
building communities that are primed to attract and retain talent and spur job
growth in the 21st century economy.”
A list of all
communities receiving funds is online at http://www.in.gov/indot/3691.htm
For this latest
round of funding, rural communities will design, develop and purchase land for
projects that would be bid during the fiscal year beginning July 2021. While
the funds awarded now are dedicated to construction, INDOT will be financially
participating in design, engineering, and right of way acquisition components
of these projects.
INDOT dedicates
approximately 25 percent of its federal highway funds to supporting local
projects each year. Metropolitan Planning Organizations distribute those funds
to cities, towns, and counties within the state’s larger urbanized areas while
INDOT distributes funds outside MPO areas. Communities must pay at least 20
percent in local matching funds and meet other federal requirements to receive
federal funding.
Rural communities
were invited to submit project applications to INDOT for potential funding
during a call for projects announced in October 2017.
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