Indy approves $8 million in infrastructure funding

Indianapolis, Indiana – The Public Works Committee of the Indianapolis City-County Council unanimously approved a proposal that will add $8 million to the Supplemental County Income Tax to pay for infrastructure upgrades all around the city.

In Indianapolis, as part of a bigger capital infrastructure plan, a total of $1.1 billion has been set aside to fund infrastructure projects over the following five years.

“That means better roads and bridges, trails and greenways, and pedestrian infrastructure, all without asking Marion County residents to pay more in taxes,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett.

A total of $1.5 million from the approved Proposal 106 would be used to upgrade pedestrian safety features such as sidewalks, crosswalks, and curb ramps.

A pavement rehabilitation along Post Road, a two-way conversion of Michigan and New York streets to reduce traffic and improve safety, and a project improving drainage and rehabbing pavement on North Meridian Street are some of the initial projects planned as part of the overall five-year, $1.1 billion capital improvement plan.

“The men and women of DPW are working tirelessly during this season to build safer infrastructure for our neighborhoods and keep our roads safe and passable for all users,” said Brandon Herget, Director of the Department of Public Works. “I am grateful to the City-County Council’s Public Works Committee for unanimously voting in favor of this $8 million investment in our infrastructure.”

The project is one of many that aim to improve transportation in Indiana and Indianapolis. Recently, the Federal Transit Administration approved funds for the transit system totaling over $132 million, with roughly $25 million going to Indianapolis.

Although the FTA funds may not be intended to repair pothole-filled roads, it can be used to help improve public transit, modernize city buses, upgrade stations or tracks, and help offer service to riders who are disabled or old.

“Together, by prioritizing local dollars towards infrastructure projects and through federal grant programs, we are finding more ways to help Indianapolis streets better reflect the value they create for Hoosiers,” Hogsett said.

On May 8, the Indianapolis City-County Council will vote in favor of or against Proposal 106.