Northview Estates residents petition commissioners for paving; county outlines PASER priorities and timing

A resident and petition organizer, Matt Werner, told the Dubois County Board of Commissioners on March 2 that 34 homeowners in Northview Estates want inclusion in the county’s asphalt paving schedule after about 19 years with chip‑seal surface. He presented a petition signed by residents and requested consideration for Community Crossings and other grant programs.

Werner described recurrent flooding at a low spot where a culvert was recently replaced and argued that paved roads would provide safety and durability. "We'd really appreciate it if you guys could help us figure out how to get this pavement funded," he told the board.

Highway staff explained county paving prioritization uses PASER ratings and asset management; roads rated in the mid‑range must drop further before receiving asphalt treatments. The highway department offered a rough neighborhood estimate of about $130,000 to pave roughly a mile of roads, but staff said paving could be two to three years away and suggested 2028 as an earliest possibility based on current priority lists and anticipated funding. Commissioners noted one practical way to accelerate a project is for residents to contribute materials (the county can provide labor), which could move a subdivision ahead of others under existing policy.

The board encouraged Werner to meet with highway staff for a cost estimate and to return next year if priority or funding changes.

What happens next: Resident will pursue a follow‑up meeting with highway staff to refine cost and timeline; the highway department will monitor PASER ratings and funding opportunities for Community Crossings or other grants.