As state lawmakers wrap up the 2016 short session, provisions in the final version of the road measure will mean $9 million for the City of Fishers.  This is not new money, it will come from funds the state has been holding for local governments, and will begin disbursing this year.

Mayor Scott Fadness says the final version of the legislation has only limited restrictions on how local governments may spend the $9 million.

How does the City of Fishers plan to spend the money?  The mayor said he will begin the process of making those decisions soon, but nothing has been decided at this point.

“Indiana took a giant step forward with this legislation,” Fadness said about the road funding provisions.  “The state needs to act on moving forward with the long-term infrastructure issues.”

The final version of the bill contained no tax increase.  Some lawmakers wanted an increase in the cigarette and gas taxes as a longer-term solution to funding Indiana’s roads.  The governor and Senate leaders had opposed that idea.

Mayor Fadness lauded new software from the Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) which will help cities in pavement management.  He also cited a new matching grant program from the state.

On the road measure, Fadness generally praised the legislation, but added, “We have a long way to go.”

Another provision in the final bill allows local governments to enact wheel taxes funding local road projects.  The mayor wouldn’t comment on whether he would favor Fishers passing this additional tax, saying it is “another tool in the toolbox.”  Fadness said he would need to look at the city’s entire tax situation to determine whether such a move makes sense.