More than $160 Million Going to Rural Communities for Infrastructure Improvements

Projects will Improve Roads and Bridges, Make Communities More Walkable and Bikeable

The Indiana Department of Transportation announced March 28, 2018 that $161.2 million in federal transportation funding is being awarded to 66 cities, towns, and counties in rural portions of Indiana to invest in local road and bridge improvements as well as sidewalk and trail projects. Combined with local funds, approximately $212 million is being invested in infrastructure in communities receiving funds.

Types of projects receiving funds include 27 bridge rehabilitation/replacement projects; 31 resurfacing/reconstruction projects; 17 Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) projects that include work such as sidewalks, ADA ramps, and trails; and 6 traffic safety projects.

“Indiana is investing in transportation at record levels and that includes more than just our highways,” INDOT Commissioner Joe McGuinness said. “Our sustained commitment to modernizing local roads and bridges, adding sidewalks, and growing our trail networks sends a clear message that we’re building communities that are primed to attract and retain talent and spur job growth in the 21st century economy.”

A list of all communities receiving funds is online at http://www.in.gov/indot/3691.htm

Spencer County Commissioner Receives AIC’S Highest Honor

INDIANAPOLIS (Oct. 24, 2017) – The Association of Indiana Counties (AIC) has named Spencer County Commissioner Al Logsdon as the 2017 Himsel Award Winner. The Arthur R. Himsel Award is the AIC’s highest honor and is named for an individual who dedicated his/her public career as an elected county official. Himsel was also one of the AIC’s founding members. For many years, Himsel served as Indiana’s representative on the National Association of Counties (NACo) Board of Directors. Since the inception of the Himsel Award in 1984, it has been given to an elected county official who has served the interests of county government through involvement with the AIC. The award was presented during the AIC Annual Conference, the largest gathering of county officials in the state. The 2017 conference was held in Switzerland County Sept. 25-28 and included meetings designed specifically for each elected county office.

Logsdon began his career as an educator more than 50 years ago and served in related roles from teacher, coach and principal until his retirement in 2003. Upon retiring from the school system, Logsdon was quickly recruited to run for county commissioner and has served Spencer County in that role for more than a decade. His leadership skills have also positively impacted residents of all counties across Indiana through his service as president of the Indiana Association of County Commissioners and president of the AIC.

Logsdon has also served in various other leadership roles on the AIC Board of Directors, including service as a district officer and on various committees. He is well known for his ability to engage students in learning about government. Logsdon’s county has one of the highest participation rates in the AIC Third Grade Essay Contest each spring because he personally invites all schools in his county to participate every year.

Wayne County Commissioner Receives Statewide Award

  

INDIANAPOLIS (Oct. 10, 2017) — The Association of Indiana Counties (AIC) announced that Wayne County Commissioner Kenneth Paust received the 2017 Outstanding County Commissioner Award. The award recognized his contributions made to county government throughout his years of public service.

Paust has been in public service for many years, serving as Richmond City Councilman, Wayne County Councilman, and Wayne County Commissioner. He has also served on various community and statewide boards including service on the AIC’s board of directors for which he is currently the board treasurer. He also served on the board of directors for the Indiana Association of County Commissioners and has served as a member of the Indiana Advisory Commission on intergovernmental relations. He is currently in his third term as Wayne County Commissioner. The award was announced last month during the AIC’s annual conference in Switzerland County.

The AIC’s Annual Conference is the largest gathering of county officials in the state. Representatives from public agencies, private entities, and local elected officials addressed issues such as: the role of counties in combatting the opioid crisis, cyber security, social media best practices, ways to strengthen a county’s long-term financial standing, and so much more.

Indiana Commissioners were invited to Washington D.C. for the White House Briefing on October 25. 

Commissioners attended the briefing in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB) along with a White House Tour.
Barnes & Thornburg LLP hosted a reception after the White House conference for the county commissioners at their office in Washington D.C.

 Vice President Mike Pence greets Indiana County Commissioners visiting Washington DC