Commissioners approve updated ADA transition plan and commit $25,000 annually for sidewalk/ramp upgrades

DeKalb County commissioners voted unanimously to adopt an updated ADA transition plan required by the Indiana Department of Transportation, a step county staff said is necessary for the highway department to receive certain state funds. The plan inventories sidewalks and curb ramps the county owns, cites findings from updated GIS maps and acknowledges problem areas such as Spencerville.

The plan includes a policy commitment that DeKalb County will fund repairs, modifications and reconstruction of sidewalks and ramps up to $25,000 annually as needed to meet current ADA standards. Because of pending changes to county fund structure, commissioners asked that the plan language be amended to say the county will provide funding rather than identify a specific fund; the board approved the plan as amended, 3-0.

Staff said INDOT looks for an approved local plan as part of its review and that the plan will help prioritize projects and funding during the next budget cycle.