Hamlet Council Agrees to Proceed with Road Funding Plans

Hamlet Fall 5The Hamlet Town Council voted last night to fund the paving of several streets with money in their economic development income tax fund. The Starke County Highway Department has agreed to do the work if the town will pay for the materials to pave 1.2 miles of roads.

That will cost the town slightly more than $30,000, half of which could be reimbursed through INDOT’s 50/50 matching grant program. Applications for those funds are due tomorrow, with awards to be announced in late August. Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler previously told the council they could expect to pay a private contractor more than $100,000 to do the project. He’s worked with town officials to submit their asset management plan and grant application and is confident funds will be approved.

The paving quote includes the following Hamlet roads:

Jefferson Street from Pearl to 550 North

Jefferson Street from 550 North to the railroad tracks

Elm Street from Walnut to Maple Street

Indiana Street from Stark Street to the city limits

Railroad Street from McCormick to Stark Street

Davis Street from Stark Street to the dead end

Madison Street from Stark to Main Street

Main Street from Rannells Funeral Home to Railroad Street

Hamlet Street from Railroad to Davis Street