TOP STORY OF THE DAY, brought to you free by WICU: City, county officials thrilled to get several thousand funding dollars

This week Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announced $100.8 million in federal transportation funding would be invested in local road and bridge improvements and sidewalk and trail projects.

Clay County, receiving $1 million, and Brazil, receiving $620,568.13, are receiving a slice of the pie. (Rural communities were invited to submit project applications to INDOT for potential funding during a call for projects announced in October 2020.)

Brazil Mayor Brian Wyndham and Clay County Commissioner Paul Sinders were pleased with the announcement, with both citing the funds will be used to pave local roads.

Communities must pay at least 20 percent in local matching funds and meet other federal requirements to receive federal funding.

“We do apply for the Community Crossings Grant program each year,” said Sinders. “We have already applied, once again, for one million dollars from this grant program for 2021. We hope to know in about one month if we are successful for 2021.”

Combined with local funds, approximately $124.9 million is being invested in infrastructure throughout the state.

Types of projects receiving funds include:

• 32 - bridge rehabilitation/replacement projects,

• 11 - resurfacing/reconstruction projects, and

• 6 - Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) projects include sidewalks, ADA ramps, and trails; and five traffic safety projects.

“Local transportation improvements are critical to growing and enhancing Indiana’s communities,” 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 cities, towns, and counties that are primed to attract and retain talent and spur job growth in the 21st-century economy.”

Mayor Wyndham said the grant is significant to the community.

“We have been fortunate to receive this grant several times. If we didn’t have it, it would be difficult to maintain the roads,” said the mayor. “We have been able to catch up on most of the major road repairs throughout the city.”

While the funds awarded now are dedicated to construction, INDOT will be financially participating in the design, engineering, and right of way acquisition components of these projects expected to start bidding during the fiscal year beginning July 2025.

Local city and county officials agreed they would continue to apply for these grants as long as they are available.

INDOT dedicates approximately 25 percent of its federal highway funds to support 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.

A list of all communities receiving funds is online at http://www.in.gov/indot/2390.h