The Marshall County Council and Commissioners put their stamps of approval on Highway Superintendent Jason Peters’ request to apply for the next round of the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program.

Peters has a lengthy list of projects he plans to complete this upcoming paving season using the grant funds and local matching funds.  The total estimated cost of the projects is $2,188,309 with the INDOT share being $1,641,311 and the county’s share being $547,077.   Peters told the council his request is over the allowable $1.5 million grant by $141,231.  If awarded the county will have to cover that additional costs along with the required matching funds of 25%. 

During the calendar year 2024, INDOT has increased the maximum awarded amount per calendar year for the program from $1 million to $1.5 million. To be eligible, towns, cities and counties must have an approved asset management plan and have closed out any old awards that were made before 2022-1. INDOT will reassess this pilot program at the end of this year.

Superintendent Peters has 17 projects on the list.  The first set of projects are around Lawrence Lake and include West Nataka Trail to Olive Trail, Nataka Trail from 13th Road to the cul-de-sac, Lawrence Lake Drive from Olive Trail to the dead-end, Olive Lane from Olive Circle to Olive Trail, and Olive Lane from Olive Trail to Olive Trail.  ($529,404)

Near Pretty Lake, Peters plans to repave Easy Street from Queen Road to the cul-de-sac. ($37,644)

In German Township Elm Road will be improved from U.S. 6 to the county line. ($394,189)

In Polk Township the Highway Superintendent has Rose Road from 6th Road to Main Street, and Main Street from 6th Road to French Street in Tyner on the list.  ($374,842)

The Deer Trail subdivision is on the project list with Deer Trail from Fawn & Pine Lane to Deer Trail, Deer Trail from State Road 17 to the cul-de-sac, and Deer Trail from Pine Lane to State Road 17. ($216,235)

The next subdivision is the Golfview Estates just off State Road 17 across from the Pretty Lake Golf Club.  Martha Court from Sunset Drive to Robert Court will be paved along with both Robert Court and Martha Court to Sunset Drive. Sherly Court from Sunset Drive to the cul-de-sac and Sunset Drive from Sheryl Court to Martha Court are also included.  ($156,745)

The final project on the list for Community Crossings is 9C Road from Sycamore Road to Union Road.  ($479,250)

The deadline to submit applications for this first round of grants is January 31st.