Monroe County wins $1 million INDOT grant; voter-registration office to move temporarily

Bloomington ' Monroe County officials reported a $1,000,000 award from the Indiana Department of Transportation's Community Crossing Matching Grant program for 2026 paving projects and discussed several county administrative items at their Jan. 15 meeting.

Highway director Lisa Ridge told commissioners the INDOT awards were unusually competitive this year because of funding cuts and said Monroe County was fortunate to receive $1,000,000 for paving projects in 2026. Ridge noted that the program's statewide allocation has declined from prior years, and that many neighboring jurisdictions were not awarded funding this cycle.

Commissioner Julie Thomas said the City of Bloomington was not awarded a community-crossing grant this year and flagged a temporary administrative move: the voter-registration office will relocate to the second floor of the Showers Building beginning Feb. 9 while the current office undergoes flooring renovations. Commissioners discussed signage and public notice to ensure residents know where to register ahead of election deadlines.

Thomas closed the meeting with a tribute to Dan Combs, who served as Perry Township trustee for 40 years and died last week at age 73; commissioners and other participants praised his teaching career and longtime public service.

The Monroe County Board of Commissioners will meet next on Jan. 22.