(Michigan City, IN) - A Michigan City man running for a seat at the Indiana Statehouse is pushing for an increase in local road money from the state.

 

State Senate for District 4 candidate Ron Meer said funding out of the Community Crossing Grant Program should be doubled and the match required from each community to leverage the dollars lowered.

 

Currently, the state annually matches dollar for dollar up to $1 million; the amount contributed for local roads by each community. However, Meer said many communities couldn’t afford the match required to receive the maximum amount, and roads are too vital not to be funded adequately.

 

“The state should double the funding for the grants and decrease the dollar amount for the matching funds that are required from the cities and towns,” Meer said.

Meer believes the state should contribute $75 to $80 for every $20 to $25 communities provide for local roads.

 

“It’s a great program, but being a former mayor, I understand it’s not nearly enough for these communities,” Meer explained.

Meer is seeking the Democrat party nomination in the May 3 primary against incumbent Rodney Pol, Jr., Deb Chubb, and Todd Connor. District 4 encompasses Michigan City, Westville, and other communities like Chesterton and Portage.