New Indiana Legislation to Impact Dubois County Highway Department

Indiana lawmakers have made some legislative changes that will have an impact on the Dubois County Highway Department. 

House Bill 1461, a road funding and infrastructure bill, contains several provisions that will affect the county as well as local municipalities. After June 30, 2026, if the county’s average PASER rating is at least a 6, and no more than 15% of roads are in a failed condition, 40% of MVH funds will have to be used for construction, reconstruction, or preservation of roads. This is reduced from the prior 50%. The legislation also directs every township to prepare a yearly capital improvement plan outlining transportation-related projects. It requires that 30% of any surplus unrestricted funds be made available to the county for township roads and infrastructure. 

Another noteworthy change included in the bill will affect bridge repairs. Effective July 1, 2025, the county is only financially responsible for bridges with a span length greater than 20 feet that are located within the county, but are not part of the state highway system. Municipalities are responsible for bridges with a span of 20 feet or less that are within the corporate limits of the municipality. This could have a significant financial impact on cities and towns that do not have an infrastructure for these kinds of repairs. If they cannot support the work in-house, they will have to contract with another agency to complete the repairs. 

House Bill 1198 raised the threshold that determines the amount of public work that can be performed by the county using its own workforce without awarding a contract. The limit was increased from $250,000 to $375,000. The bill also removes the distinction between school corporations and the county regarding the cost of these projects. In his public remarks on the legislation, County Highway Engineer Levi Leffert noted that the county does as much in-house bridge work as possible, which is a great savings for taxpayers. He explained that the higher threshold will allow bridge crews to complete more substantial projects without having to send out for bids from an outside contractor. The increase will account for inflation and will be adjusted annually. 
 
For more information on these and other updates, visit www.witzamfm.com/news 

 - Drew Hasselbring