Community-driven infrastructure gets a chance for city funding

By JILL SHERIDAN A program that helps communities build their infrastructure dream projects has reopened, and targeted sidewalks, trails, and roads can benefit from matching city funds. The Indianapolis Neighborhood Infrastructure Partnership, INIP, is open for applications from local organizations. The announcement was made on the near northside this week as city leaders celebrated the start of construction for a new multi-use path that will connect existing trails with the new IU Health campus. The infrastructure idea was presented by IU Health and the Near North Development Corporation. The groups will partner with the city for a& 50-50 match to pay& for the new trail, which is priced at $2.3 million. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said the initiative will again receive funding in 2024. “Maintaining this 50-50 funding method, these new efforts will champion equitable access to our safer streets. That’s because the city of Indianapolis is committed to a safer, smoother infrastructure for every size of road and in every Indianapolis neighborhood,” Hogsett said. The Hogsett administration started the program in 2017. Nearly $13 million in project funding has been awarded since INIP’s launch. Department of Public Works Director Brandon Herget said chosen projects are also fast-tracked through the...