(INDIANAPOLIS) - State lawmakers from NE Indiana are encouraging local communities to apply for grants to help fund local road and bridge projects.

The Community Crossings Matching Grant Program helps cities, towns and counties fund local infrastructure projects through preservation, road construction, intersection improvements, guardrail replacements and with signage.

State Representative Denny Zent of Angola says getting these projects done is vitally important for communities to stay economically viable.
Zent says roads and bridges are absolutely critical to keeping Indiana's economy moving. He says investing in roads and bridges pays dividends for Hoosiers by improving quality of life, and attracting jobs and economic development opportunities.

Hoosier communities are eligible for a state match up to $1 million annually, and the Indiana Department of Transportation opens applications twice a year. Due to COVID-19, this year's second round of calls for projects was postponed in July. However, Governor Eric Holcomb recently announced that the matching grant program will resume and the new application deadline is October 23.

Counties with fewer than 50,000 residents and cities and towns with less than 10,000 residents contribute 25 percent of the matching funds, with larger communities contributing 50 percent.

State Representative David Abbott of Rome City says for local units of government to be eligible, they must have an approved Asset Management Plan and provide a funding match.

Local governments can apply for the program by going on line. LINKA. Forms are due by 5 PM on Friday, October 23.