The road funding bill approved in the final days of the legislative session will provide a significant cash infusion for Starke County. Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler told the commissioners Monday night the county stands to get $800,000 for local road repairs. He adds there are requirements as to how the money can be spent.
He suggested forming a committee comprised of the auditor, one commissioner, one council member and the economic development director to discuss how to spend the money and get the call for projects together before the May due date.
Ritzler adds the state requires counties to have an asset management plan in place in order to receive the money. Starke County already has one in place, it just needs to be plugged into a template and submitted to the state. Ritzler says the money is for county road improvements only. Cities and towns will also be getting a share of money from the state.
