The Indiana Department of Transportation announced Wednesday 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 or replacement projects; 31 resurfacing or 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.”
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.
Locally, Marshall County will receive $1,632,320 for the replacement of bridge 87 over the Yellow River on 11th Road and $1,884,080 for a bridge replacement project on South Upas Road over the Yellow River. The City of Plymouth will receive $1,310,400 for a major renovation of the Footbridge over the Yellow River on East LaPorte Street.
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.
A list of all communities receiving funds is online at http://www.in.gov/indot/3691.htm
