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Gary council approves 2026 infrastructure appropriation; staff to upload asset-management map
Summary
The council approved an ordinance funding resurfacing, sidewalk and traffic-signal work and related studies; staff said an asset-management map will be uploaded to guide priorities and legal counsel noted the Indiana Tort Claims Act generally shields routine pothole claims.
The Gary Common Council approved an ordinance to appropriate 2026 funds for infrastructure projects including resurfacing, concrete sidewalk replacement, traffic signal improvements, maintenance of street lights and limited environmental work.
An agency official said the ordinance relies on a Community Crossings grant opportunity and is intended as a phase two of resurfacing work, with phase one already underway. The official told the council the city has not yet uploaded its asset-management plan and that “that will be one of the first things that we do, prior to kicking off the resurfacing efforts,” adding the city will update the condition map annually.
Council members pressed staff on how streets are prioritized and whether 311 requests will influence decisions. The staff response said resurfacing priorities will be compiled from an engineering assessment plus feedback from council members and the public, and that 311 complaints are used to inform the assessment. Council members asked that the paving plan be shared with council districts before work begins so members can advise their constituents.
Carla Morgan, corporation counsel, briefed the council on liability for pothole claims. Morgan said the Indiana Tort Claims Act generally shields the city from routine pothole claims that result from weather, though there can be limited exceptions tied to construction or extenuating circumstances that the city may review on a case-by-case basis.
Council members also discussed funding mechanics for sidewalk ADA upgrades and whether matching funds would be required. Staff said Community Crossings and other grant opportunities are matching-grant programs and that some projects that require more immediate attention might need local funding.
After questions and public comment from neighborhood representatives, the council moved for passage and approved the ordinance by roll call with the vote announced as 9–0.
The council requested that staff compile and share the paving-priority list and that precinct committee persons and council members help identify neighborhood spots in need of immediate attention.
