Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization Executive Director Anna Gremling will deliver an oversized check representing $2,038,740 in federal funds to Franklin Mayor Steve Barnett at 1:30 p.m., June 15 at 350 E. Madison Street in Franklin, IN to help pay for the Yandes Street brick reconstruction and school zone flashing beacons.

As part of an annual funding process, Franklin planners submitted projects for consideration by the Metropolitan Planning Organization, which is responsible for planning and programming federal transportation funds in the eight-county Central Indiana region. Projects are judged based on such criteria as impacts to air quality, improvements to congestion, safety, pavement quality and more.

“It’s always a very competitive process, but Franklin’s projects rose to the top,” Gremling said “Building and maintaining infrastructure is one of local governments’ biggest challenges, but also critical to the regional and state economies.”

Franklin was one of 15 communities and agencies in the region selected to receive federal funds.

According to Franklin’s application, Yandes is the only brick street remaining in the city, and City leaders are committed to preserving it. Reconstruction will occur from the northern edge of Jefferson Street to Ohio Street and Madison Street from Depot Street. A parking lane will be provided along the west side of Yandes. The project will upgrade storm drainage along the street, which should reduce flooding. Construction will begin in 2023. The total project cost is $2,235,700, with 80 percent -- $1,788,540 – of it federal funding through the Metropolitan Planning Organization.

The second funded project will install school zone speed limit flashing beacons. According to the application Greenfield submitted, flashing lights will operate during morning drop-off and evening pick-up of students only on school days. Pavement markings and pedestrian-activated crossing lights also will be installed at various locations. The total project cost is $278,000, with 80 percent -- $250,200 – of it federal funding through the Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Mayor Barnett along with City Engineer Mark Richards will be part of the event to accept the ceremonial check.

About the Metropolitan Planning Organization

Federal law requires each urbanized area with a population of 50,000 or more to have an MPO, and the MPO planning process is required to receive federal funds for transit, transportation alternatives, and roadway improvements. The Indianapolis MPO encompasses 1,520 square miles and includes eight counties and 31 cities and towns. For more information, visit www.indympo.org.

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MPO MEDIA CONTACT: Jen Schmits Thomas, 317-441-2487, jen@jtprinc.com

FRANKLIN MEDIA CONTACT: Tara Payne, 317-736-3602, tpayne@franklin.in.gov

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