The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) recently announced it will make available $125 million for railroad safety projects through the agency’s Local Trax matching grant program.
Local Trax provides funds to communities throughout the state for safety enhancements at railroad intersections with local roads, crossing closures, and high-priority railroad grade separations. Local governments are required to provide 20 percent of a project’s funding while the state provides the remaining funds. Funding for the program was authorized last year.
These projects increase safety while reducing congestion, Gov. Eric. J Holcomb said.
“Thanks to Gov. Holcomb’s Next Level Roads plan and the support of state lawmakers, Indiana is able to invest in infrastructure, both highways and local roads, at levels not seen before in our state’s history,” INDOT Commissioner Joe McGuinness said. “Local Trax will direct needed funds to high priority local rail projects, enhancing mobility and livability in our communities.”
Applications will begin being accepted next month through Aug. 31. Grant recipients will be announced in September.
INDOT will hold six meetings this month on program details and requirements and allow local government officials to ask questions.
The first meeting will be held Monday in Greenfield. Other meetings will be held in Crawfordsville, Seymour, LaPorte, Fort Wayne, and Vincennes.