The Indiana Department of Transportation announced the award of $155 million in federal transportation funds to 51 cities, towns, and counties in rural portions of Indiana.  The money will be used to invest in local road and bridge improvements and sidewalk projects.

This latest round of funding will assist rural communities in designing, developing, and purchasing right-of-way for local projects. While the funds awarded now are dedicated to construction, INDOT will also financially participate in design, engineering, and right-of-way acquisition components.

Federal transportation funds are leveraged by many communities to rehabilitate or replace local bridges. As INDOT continues to partner with local governments to make record investments in taking care of existing roads and bridges, this round of funding awards emphasizes improving local bridge conditions. Nearly $90.3 million in federal funds were awarded for projects to rehab or replace 32 local bridges currently rated in poor condition.

Locally, Marshall County received $1,476,000 for the bridge project on East 7th Road.  Fulton County was awarded $5,784,000 for a major improvement project on Old U.S. 31.  INDOT dedicates approximately 25 percent of its federal highway funds to supporting local projects each year. Communities must contribute at least 20 percent in local matching funds and meet other federal requirements to receive federal funding.