Published: June 25, 2009 10:14 pm         

Three Parke County road projects slated to receive stimulus funding

Parke County — Three Parke County road projects are among the 56 total projects that have been advertised for bid by the Indiana Department of Transportation as part of a push to spend $658 million allocated to the state through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“These local projects are important to each city, county and town,” said Michael W. Reed, commissioner-INDOT, “and we know these will make a difference both in jobs right now and to the highway infrastructure in coming months and years.”

All projects are submitted to INDOT and the Federal Highway Administration to make certain they are “shovel ready.” Among other elements, that means the inclusion of complete plans, specifications and cost estimates. It also means all environmental work and right-of-way purchases must be done, and all permits must have been obtained.

In addition, projects are reviewed to ensure they meet federal guidelines for road, bridge and transportation enhancement project types.

President Barack Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law on February 17.

The ARRA apportioned $658 million for road, bridge and transportation enhancement projects in Indiana. Of that, $460 million was set aside for state projects and $198 million for projects submitted by Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and Local Planning Agencies (LPAs).

By the end of June (including the June 24 bid letting), Indiana will have advertised and/or awarded an estimated $307 million for state projects (including transportation enhancement), and $9.2 for MPO and LPA projects. The money represents a total of 181 projects in 78 different counties.

Reed said he anticipates the list of projects for the July 29 bid opening will include many more local projects.

The Parke County road projects are:

n U.S. 41 3.02 miles south of Indiana 234, small structure replacement;

n Indiana 47 over Turkey Run, bridge maintenance and repair;

n U.S. 41 over Big Raccoon Creek, bridge deck overlay.