A group of six Hamilton County officials traveled to Washington DC with local issues on their minds.  According to my news-gathering partners at the Hamilton County Reporter, the area lawmakers were there to discuss traffic congestion and future highway funding with Indiana Congressional leaders as well as the Federal Highway Administration.

Two projects topped their DC discussions: the 146th Street corridor between Greyhound Pass and Hazel Dell Parkway, as well as the State Road 32 and Pleasant Street corridors in Noblesville. Traffic studies show growing congestion along both routes.

“Hamilton County is one of the fastest growing counties in the state,” says Mark Heirbrandt, President of the Hamilton County Commissioners. “Proactive efforts to address these critical corridors are vital to future job creation and in ensuring our county continues to be a great place to live and work.”

In addition to Heirbrandt, the Hamilton County delegation included County commissioners Christine Altman and Steve Dillinger, County Council president Steve Schwartz, Noblesville Common Council President Chris Jensen and Hamilton County Highway Director Brad Davis. During the two-day trip, March 13-14, Hamilton County lawmakers met with U.S. Senators Joe Donnelly and Todd Young, U.S. Representatives Susan Brooks and Luke Messer, as well as Federal Highway Administration and Vice Presidential staff.

“Funding is always the biggest challenge on projects like these,” Commissioner Altman says. “We appreciate the time that our representatives and their staff took to review our needs and offer suggestions. Their insight was extremely helpful.”

Jensen says projects like these are critical to the prosperity of cities like Noblesville. “The Pleasant Street Economic Development Corridor has been on the city’s thoroughfare plan since 1995. It is a top priority for the city. Not only will it help spur economic growth in our downtown, but will also serve as a catalyst for future successes in the heart of our community.”