Marshall County continues to keep abreast of its application for the Community Crossings grant program.
During Tuesday’s meeting, the Marshall County Commissioners reviewed the highway department’s Road Asset Management Plan. It’s heavily influenced by PASER testing which evaluates road conditions and ranks them based on needs. The plan is required to receive funds under the state program.
Commission President Kevin Overmyer read a section of the report that stood out to him.
“Funding for road improvements is limited and often overlooked in reviewing transportation funding from the state or does not have an active user fee such as the county wheel tax to fund roadway improvements,” says Overmyer. “As a result of not receiving a steady income of money, several preventative maintenance treatments cannot be conducted on a routine basis, meaning roads can fall into a state of disrepair.”
The Michiana Area Council of Governments is assisting Marshall County to prepare its application for the grant funds. A special Local Option Income Tax distribution from the state earlier this year has been set aside as the matching portion of the grant funds through Community Crossings.
According to the Road Asset Management Plan, Marshall County has about 1,400 miles of roadway that is rated as in need of complete rehabilitation and reconstruction. Opposite that is 10 miles of roadway that is thought of as high quality.
Highway Department Superintendent Jason Peters says the needs are piling-up.
“It’s overwhelming is what it is when you really start looking at where our roads are today,” says Peters.
Because the $1-million in LOIT funds has been earmarked through Community Crossings, the Highway Department anticipates asking the County Council for an additional appropriation.
The Highway Department says they still have roads they hope to chip and seal this year.
