Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Thursday, February 28, 2013
(UNDATED) - Indiana counties could receive up to $68.15 million for the next two years to repair and improve county roadways, according to a press release issued by the by the Association of Indiana Counties.
The 2013 Indiana House Ways and Means committee recently passed the 2013 state budget.
The new budget will change the way sales and use taxes are distributed, but revenue should stay the same.
According to the press release, all gas taxes will be directed to funding for roads, instead of dividing the money between multiple organizations like the Indiana State Police and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. 1.5 percent of sales tax revenue will also go toward roads.
The Indiana Department of Transportation is expected to receive $56.7 million more in fiscal year 2014 and $59 million more in fiscal year 2015.
Lawrence County Highway Superintendent Dave Holmes says counties have been lacking money for years to pave roadways.
"We have 690 miles of roadways in the county and we pave 620 miles," Holmes says. "That cost big bucks to do that."
Currently the county is using cold patch to repair roadways and only have limited funds each year to pave roadways.
"We can't keep up and maintain and repair the roadways like we should because of the cost," Holmes says.
Holmes says it cost between $45,000 to $55,000 to pave one mile of roadway.
"And that depends on where the road is, the condition and shape of the road and how wide it is," Holmes added.
The county currently has a budget of $800,000 a year to pave roads.
For years, the county has not had sufficient funds to meet its road maintenance needs, Holmes says, and the added money is greatly needed.
"It would be really nice if it happens," Holmes added.
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