At the 43rd Annual Indiana MPO‑IARC Conference in Kokomo, Governor Mike Braun announced the distribution of $109.9 million in INDOT Community Crossings Matching Grants. The funds will be matched by local governments and applied to road and bridge improvements across 346 Indiana municipalities.
State‑level investment, local impact
“Good roads and bridges are essential to strong communities and a growing economy,” Governor Braun said. “This funding ensures hundreds of Indiana communities have the necessary resources to make improvements that Hoosiers will see and use every day.” The governor emphasized that the program’s success hinges on local governments also contributing, creating a partnership that “makes roads safer, supports local businesses and creates more opportunities for communities across Indiana to grow.”
How the grants work
Community Crossings is a matching‑grant program funded by the state’s local road and bridge grant fund. Applicants submitted proposals during the FY 2027 call for projects in September. Under recent legislative changes, the annual matching‑grant cap is set at $100 million, with each local unit of government eligible for up to $1 million per state fiscal year.
Despite the $100 million cap, INDOT has been able to exceed that limit in the past two fiscal years thanks to cost‑favorability measures. INDOT Commissioner Lyndsay Quist noted, “More than $2 billion in matching funds have been awarded for local road improvements since 2016. Community Crossings is a testament to the strong partnerships between INDOT and local communities that help provide safe, efficient transportation infrastructure for our cities, towns and counties.”
Benefits for families and businesses
Improved transportation corridors directly benefit families by reducing travel times, enhancing safety for school‑age children, and providing reliable routes for daily commutes. Local businesses stand to gain from smoother freight movement and increased customer access, reinforcing the economic foundation of Indiana’s traditional family‑centered communities.
The grants will fund a variety of projects, from bridge replacements to roadway resurfacing and safety upgrades such as better signage and lighting. By investing in these critical assets, the state and its municipalities are safeguarding the infrastructure that underpins commerce, education and community life.
Looking ahead
The list of grant recipients and detailed project information is available through INDOT’s website. As the program continues, officials anticipate that the collaborative model will encourage more localities to invest alongside the state, ensuring that Indiana’s transportation network remains a pillar of prosperity for generations to come.
Governor Braun’s commitment to infrastructure aligns with broader efforts to strengthen Indiana’s economy while upholding the values of personal responsibility, family stability and community stewardship that define the Hoosier way of life.
Original reporting: 14 News WFIE Evansville (news) — read the source article.
