State Rep. Steve Davisson (R-Salem) encourages communities in Southern Indiana to apply for the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program to help fund local road and bridge projects.

Davisson, who supported the 2016 law creating Indiana’s long-term road funding plan, said Community Crossings Matching Grants help cities, towns and counties fund local infrastructure projects through preservation, road construction, intersection improvements, guardrail replacements and signage.

“Every dollar counts, and local governments don’t always have the resources to fully fund larger projects,” Davisson said. “Partnering with the state really helps our locals maintain infrastructure without stretching budgets beyond their means.”

According to Davisson, 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, but Gov. Eric Holcomb recently announced that the matching grant program will resume and the new application deadline is Oct. 23.

Counties with fewer than 50,000 residents and cities and towns with less than 10,000 residents contribute 25% of the matching funds, with larger communities contributing 50%. To be eligible, all local units of government must have an approved Asset Management Plan and provide a funding match.

Since the program’s inception, $739 million has been awarded to support Hoosier communities and infrastructure projects around the state. Local governments can apply for the program online at in.gov/indot/4013.htm, with forms due by 5 p.m. EST on Oct. 23.

Single-lane closures will be in place on U.S. 421/Harrison Street starting Monday, Oct. 12, between 1st Street and the Madison-Milton Bridge in downtown Madison as construction crews, complete reconstruction work consisting of pavement removal, subgrade treatment, and asphalt paving.

A temporary signal will be installed to control traffic going to and from the bridge. The signal is anticipated to be in place for approximately 30 days, weather permitting. Traffic delays will be possible, especially during peak times.

The majority of work on the contract will be completed by the end of the year, including the installation of the permanent four-way signal at U.S. 421 and 2nd Street. Crews will return to the site in the spring of 2021 to complete final surface paving and striping.

Motorists are reminded to slow down, watch for stopped traffic, and use extra caution in and near work zones. All work is weather dependent.

The Madison Railroad plans to close S.R. 7 at the railroad crossing near Allen Street on Thursday, Oct. 15, for crossing repair. Motorists should use S.R. 62 and U.S. 421 as alternate routes.

The road is expected to reopen by the end of the day Thursday, weather permitting.

Indiana Department of Transportation traffic crews plan to hang and activate new signal heads at the intersection of S.R. 62 and River Ridge Parkway in Clark County on Friday (Oct. 16), weather permitting.

Single-lane closures will take place throughout the day during overhead work.

The signals are expected to be operational by 3 p.m. Friday afternoon.

Portable message boards will be placed near the intersection to warn motorists of the new signals, which will improve safety and traffic flow.

This location has seen increased traffic volumes due to a number of new businesses in the area.

Motorists are reminded to slow down, watch for stopped traffic and use extra caution as drivers adjust to the new signal. All work is weather dependent.

Last night at the regular meeting of the Salem Community School Board, several awards were given out – the first since school has returned due to Covid-19 restrictions and social distancing guidelines. 

In fact, it was the first night a new award was presented – The Sagamore of Salem Award, which is patterned after the Sagamore of the Wabash award given to Hoosiers. 

Superintendent Jon Acton handed out the Sagamore of Salem awards to several classified retirees, including – Cathy McKnight, Cheryl Baker, Sonny Jones, Geri Eldridge, Marsha Strange, Bonnie Floyd, Johna Voyles, Freeda Hawn and Freda Walton. 

An award was also presented to Rick and Rita Lincks for their work in the community selling sports apparel from their business and donating a portion back to the school. 

Aiden Minton received a ROAR Award for his receiving the prestigious rank of National Merit Semi-Finalist. 

This is a testament to his dedication, work ethic, and skill set, said Acton. 

Aiden will continue in the process to compete to be a National Merit Finalist. 

“This is a tremendous honor and well-deserved recognition for Aiden,” said Acton.