Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett announced a plan for new investments in Marion County infrastructure July 6, including new school pedestrian safety measures and residential street improvements.
Hogsett also said he plans to lobby a newly created state task force to bring major changes to Indiana’s road funding formula. Currently, much of Indiana’s road funding is allocated based on how long a road is. As a result, some one-lane roads in rural Indiana receive the same funding as Indianapolis’ six-lane roads. Hogsett wants to see the funding based on the number of vehicle miles traveled on a road instead of the current formula, he said.
The change in funding would bring more than $49 million yearly to Marion County and $96 million total to surrounding Central counties, Hogsett said.
“By connecting road funding with road use, we can ensure that our most vital thoroughfares are receiving the same attention they deserve from state and local leaders,” Hogsett said.
Changing the formula will simplify the process to apply for federal funding for cities and towns, Hogsett said.
Surrounding counties, including Johnson, Hancock and Morgan, will see benefits from the change as well, Hogsett said.
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In addition to proposed changes to the state road funding formula, Hogsett also announced proposed funding for local infrastructure investments and enhanced pedestrian safety measures.
The announcements include:
- $25 million for residential street improvements
- Installation of flashing beacons at two dozen Marion County schools near major thoroughfares that do not currently have pedestrian infrastructure
- $5 million in funding for alley repair over the next three years
- Proposal to the City-County Council allowing ParkIndy to more aggressively ticket parking violations in protected bike lanes
“Each and every one of us risks failure if we don’t take action to preserve and grow our infrastructure budgets,” Hogsett said. “It is absolutely necessary for our current residents, and it’s absolutely necessary to set Indiana up for future growth and success.”
Contact staff writer Jayden Kennett at 317-762-7847. Follow her on Twitter @JournoJay.
