KOSCIUSKO — Three local areas will receive federal transportation funding for local road and bridge improvements.

• Kosciusko County will receive $637,100.47 for a bridge project at South Hand Street over Walnut Creek.
• Nappanee will receive $2,330,400 for a project involving Woodview Drive from North Main Street (SR 19) to Oakland Avenue (CR 7).
• Warsaw will receive $2,683,763 for the Anchorage Road and CR 200N project.
• Warsaw will also receive $1,123,407.60 for a project involving Sheridan Street, East Clark, and East Fort Wayne Street, between Colfax Street and Cook Street.

The Indiana Department of Transportation announced that $161.2 million in federal transportation funding is being awarded to 66 cities, towns and counties in rural portions of Indiana to invest in local road and bridge improvements as well as sidewalks and trail projects.

Combined with local funds, approximately $212 million is being invested in infrastructure in communities receiving funds.

Types of projects receiving funds include 27 bridge rehabilitation/replacement projects; 31 resurfacing/reconstruction projects; 17 Transportation Alternative Program projects that include works such as sidewalks, ADA ramps and trails; and 6 traffic safety projects.

“Indiana is investing in transportation at record levels and that includes more than just our highways,” 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 communities that are primed to attract and retain talent and spur job growth in the 21st century economy.”

For this latest round of funding, rural communities will design, develop and purchase land for projects that would be bid during the fiscal year beginning July 2021. While the funds awarded now are dedicated to construction, INDOT will be financially participating in design, engineering and right of way acquisition components of these projects.

INDOT dedicates approximately 25 percent of its federal highway funds to supporting 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. Communities must pay at least 20 percent in local matching funds and meet other federal requirements to receive federal funding.