After more lengthy debate, Highway Department receives funding to go ahead with Community Crossings Grant
Graylin Porter - Reporter
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THIS MEETING IN FULL
Last night the county council further debated additional requests from the Harrison County Highway Department regarding the Community Crossings grant from INDOT to complete various projects, one being Old Highway 111.
This issue is ongoing due to the council’s concerns over public safety and lack of adequate funding to service all roads in need vs. ones recently acquired from the state. Councilmembers Richard Gerdon and Jennie Capelle expressed support for the project given the amount of grant money available from INDOT at $883,000. Gerdon mentioned that if the council denies this request, it tarnishes the county’s reputation to receive future grant monies. Donnie Hussung definitely does not approve of the project, but feels like it is necessary in order to protect our relationship with INDOT/Community Crossings.
Councilman Kyle Nix again lamented the lack of funding due to the riverboat casino shutdown, comparing it to a family losing one of two incomes:
“With the casino being shut down, it’s like we went from being a two income county to a one income county and unfortunately some things need to be said no to….it’s tough.”
We feel it is necessary to again point out that this shortfall of income was not a factor when funding the renovation of the Wright Center a couple months back. Councilman Brad Wiseman again voiced his disapproval of the entire process, demonstrating the continued disconnect between the commissioners and the council. Highway Department manager Kevin Russel stated that “we’ve never had a project with this level of controversy.”
After another lengthy discussion, the project was ultimately funded by the council with a vote of 6-1 with Holli Castetter being the lone no vote.