During the 2013 legislative session, the General Assembly passed the fiscal year 2014-15 state budget, which increased transportation funding by $210 million per year. This includes $100 million for local units each year.

“Reliable roads and infrastructure are essential to a strong economy,” Charbonneau said. “This allows us to transport goods and services more easily, giving companies another reason to invest in our communities. I believe the money allocated for our area will help local businesses compete with other markets.”

Charbonneau said local counties are estimated to see the following funding increases over the next two years:

·         Jasper County
FY 2014: $3.46 million ($869,576 increase)
FY 2015: $3.47million ($884,142 increase)

·         LaPorte County

FY 2014: $6.45 million ($1,622,816 increase)

FY 2015: $6.48 million ($1,650,003 increase)

·         Porter County
FY 2014: $7.29 million ($1,831,448 increase)

FY 2015: $7.32 million ($1,862,132 increase)

·         Pulaski County

FY 2014: $2.74 million ($689,981 increase)

FY 2015: $2.75 million ($701,538 increase)

·         Starke County

FY 2014: $2.43 million ($611,797 increase)

FY 2015: $2.44 million ($622,045 increase)