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Dubois County highway engineer warns of reduced Community Crossings funding and explains new lane‑mile distribution
Summary
County Highway Engineer Leppard said INDOT has capped combined Community Crossings/LMDD funding at $1 million and that Dubois County’s lane‑mile direct distribution check this year was about $378,334.22; he also gave project updates and the board approved a bridge change order.
County Highway Engineer Leppard provided a detailed update on paving schedules and recent changes to state grant programs that affect local road funding.
Leppard said Calcar plans to start paving Newton Street and Mendel Lane this week and that staff will evaluate asset management data to pick the best candidate project for the fall Community Crossings application.
He explained recent INDOT changes: beginning state fiscal year 2027 the Community Crossings application window moves to September and the combined funding cap for Community Crossings plus the lane‑mile direct distribution (LMDD) is $1,000,000. Leppard said Dubois County’s LMDD check this year was about $378,334.22, meaning the county can only apply for roughly $622,000 in Community Crossings funds under the new cap.
Leppard also said the governor directed the state budget agency to calculate amounts to make local governments whole after the gas tax suspension; local units are expected to begin receiving distributions in late July and be made whole no later than Nov. 1.
The board approved a change order for Bridge 107 (St. Anthony Road N) and Bridge 240 (St. Anthony Road W) to cover additional hand‑chipping and prep work discovered during hydro‑demolition. Leppard said the change order totaled about $10,127.03 and the board voted to approve the increase.
Commissioners said staff will monitor timing of invoices and revenue closely and bring any shortfalls to the council if necessary. Leppard said the department will pursue the maximum available funding and will present a recommended Community Crossings application at a future meeting.
Next steps: staff will return with a recommended Community Crossings application candidate and continue monthly monitoring of revenue and project cashflow.
