What does the government have planned for improving infrastructure throughout Westfield? Public Works Director Ken Alexander informed the city council where the city is at with utility sale proceeds at its Sept. 8 meeting.
To stretch the dollars as far as possible, Alexander is preparing larger projects and looking at alternative funding.
“There are many municipalities looking for money,” he said. “They (INDOT) look for the best projects to support … We use design to leverage ourselves to go after grants.”
Alexander said it is important the city have “shovel ready designs” because projects are scored better by INDOT.
“More collateral to go towards a project scores us better,” he said. “There are very few municipalities that have cash on hand to do the projects we’re looking at doing.”
Alexander said depending on the grant, a project is scored on a variety of items including how it affects safety or transportation.
“It does make a difference what the commitment from a municipality is,” he said, adding that available funds and plans give projects better odds. “We have design work done ahead so they can see what our designs and thoughts are.”
Because INDOT has changed how funds are allocated in one-year increments, “shovel ready” projects stand to gain further financing.
“Dollars not used in that year are lost,” he said. “When someone fails, a 75 to 80 percent funded project goes to 100 percent.”
Alexander said one example of that occurring in Westfield was Oak Ridge Road and 161st Street.
“Originally it was 80/20, due to our efforts it moved to 100 percent (non-local funding),” he said.
Alexander said the city presented three roadway projects to the state during its annual hearing. He said the city plans to hear the results in October or November.
“Bridge 32, 186th Street and Spring Mill Road and Oak Ridge Road and Greyhound Pass were the three projects we selected,” he said. “I do everything I can to make sure Westfield is front and center in their mind.”
