Mid State Corridor could benefit from a new law

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One of the bills signed into law last week by Governor Eric Holcomb could help foster the Mid State Corridor through Dubois County.

The bill was written by State Representative Mike Braun of Jasper and State Senator Mark Messmer, both Republicans and both from Jasper.

Senate Enrolled Act 128 allows Indiana counties or municipalities participating in a Regional Development Authority, or RDA, to create a fund specifically for regional infrastructure projects. Those projects can include highway or bridge repairs, rail lines, airports, public transportation and other infrastructure improvements.

Under the new law, RDAs would be able to apply for federal grants, to fund road and bridge projects. Local governments could transfer money out of their general or rainy day funds to support regional infrastructure development. An RDA could also enter into an agreement with the Indiana Department of Transportation to contribute local matching funds to pay for the projects.

According to Braun, this law could help jump start the Midstate Corridor project through Dubois, Martin and Spencer counties. The Midstate Corridor is a planned interstate-grade highway connecting Interstate 64 to Interstate 69.