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INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) will host public information meetings to provide updates and gather feedback regarding Charging the Crossroads, INDOT’s plan to expand Indiana’s statewide electric vehicle charging network. Charging the Crossroads is federally funded by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, created by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with the goal of deploying a national network of at least 500,000 electric vehicle charging stations by 2030. Watch a brief video overview of the Charging the Crossroads program here. Attendees will hear updates on program implementation and provide feedback on potential charging station locations as well as recommended equity and inclusion metrics. |
INDOT’s updated draft plan will be posted online for review by June 18, 2024. A virtual public meeting will be made available at ChargingtheCrossroads.com in the coming weeks.
Public information meetings will be held around the state in June and July as part of INDOT’s ongoing efforts to engage stakeholders with the Charging the Crossroads program. A presentation will begin 30 minutes after doors open.
Tuesday, June 25, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Ivy Tech Community College Warsaw Student Lounge
2545 Silveus Crossing
Warsaw, IN 46582
Tuesday, July 9, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Global Village Welcome Center Event Hall
4233 Lafayette Rd.
Indianapolis, IN 46254
Thursday, July 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo Hingst Hall
1815 E Morgan St.
Kokomo, IN 46901
Tuesday, July 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Vincennes University Green Activities Center
120 W. Harrison St.
Vincennes, IN 47591
In March, INDOT announced the first round of 39 awards through Charging the Crossroads after receiving more than 100 applications in response to last year’s Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). INDOT anticipates a second NOFO to be released later this year focused on addressing remaining gaps in the state’s EV charging network.
More information about the program is available at ChargingtheCrossroads.com.
Stay Informed
Get updates on INDOT projects and programs via:
- Facebook: facebook.com/indianadepartmentoftransportation
- Twitter: @INDOT
- TrafficWise: 511in.org
- Mobile App: iTunes App Store and the Google Play store for Android
About the Indiana Department of Transportation
INDOT continues to solidify the Hoosier State as the Crossroads of America through delivery of Gov. Eric J. Holcomb’s $60 billion Next Level Roads plan. With six district offices and 3,500 employees, the agency is charged with constructing and maintaining more than 29,000 lane miles of highways, more than 5,700 bridges, and supporting 4,500 rail miles and 127 aviation facilities across the state. For the seventh consecutive year, Indiana has placed within the top five in the nation for infrastructure in CNBC’s “America’s Top States for Business” rankings. Learn more about INDOT at in.gov/indot.
By Becky Killian, Staff Writer
Salem officials are still considering a water rate increase but have delayed any decisions until a report is heard from the task force that is currently examining the utility. The matter was discussed during the Monday, June 10, meeting of the Salem Common Council.
The Council reviewed a rate study from Baker Tilly, the city’s consulting firm. It indicated the city is not in compliance with federal standards for a required cash reserve for the utility. The rate increases were presented in two options: the first was split into two phases, the second is a one-time rate increase.
The rates were calculated based on three years’ data with the aim to maintain the utility’s future cash reserve, fund the utility’s maintenance, and to pay salaries.
It was noted that inflation has increased the operating costs for utilities. Also, the city doesn’t qualify for grants or bonds because the ratepayers aren’t paying enough to maintain the utility.
Councilman Steve Crane asked if the decision should be made after the task force submits its report to city officials. His concern was echoed by Councilman Roger Pennington, who proposed the formation of the task force earlier this year.
Pennington said the task force meets weekly and is expected to return with recommendations to improve the water utility in about two months. Any decisions made about water rates taken before then would be “premature,” he said.
“I think it would be responsible to hold off,” Pennington said. He made a motion to table the discussion, followed by a unanimous vote that upheld the motion.
Councilman Dan Libka was absent from the meeting.
The city currently carries a $4 million debt for its sewer utility and $14 million for its water utility.
There does seem to be a consensus among the Council’s members that water rate increases are needed and inevitable.
In other business:
*The Council approved the survey of a section of Crown Hill Cemetery for use for green burials. Such burials forgo the use of traditional embalming chemicals and the use of any burial vessels that aren’t compostable.
*Two bids were opened for a city-owned parcel at 203 S. Mill St. It was noted that the property needs to be cleared of debris and the house needs repair to make it habitable. The bids were for $5,000 and $12,501. The bids were accepted for review.
On Friday, May 31st, Senator Mike Braun addressed soldiers from the Indiana National Guard 252nd Support Maintenance Company, as well as their families and friends, at their departure ceremony before the unit deploys to Kuwait.
Senator Braun’s remarks below.
“I am so proud of the strong National Guard presence we have here in Indiana. Our National Guard are called to action to serve the Hoosier state and the country at a moment’s notice. We cannot thank you enough for your service and sacrifice.”
“The rigorous training and preparation you have endured has prepared you for this very moment. I owned a trucking and logistics company down in Jasper for many years.
I know just how important properly maintained vehicles are to an operation, and the dedication and expertise it takes behind the scenes to keep things running. As maintenance specialists, you are critical to mission success. You work hard every day to make sure every part of the operation runs flawlessly from the vehicles to critical equipment. As you prepare to deploy abroad, remember the importance of your contributions to our state and to our nation. Your work directly strengthens our national security and I am confident in your abilities to serve and make our country proud.”
“I would also like to recognize the families of our Guard. Many of you are with us here today. Our Hoosier military families are truly unsung heroes. Thank you for your love, support, and sacrifice for our servicemembers. Let’s have a round of applause for our Indiana Guard families who sacrifice so much to help our state. As your Senator, taking care of our servicemembers, veterans, and their families have always been top of mind for me. Thank you for answering our nation’s call and for being ‘always ready, always there!’ We will be praying for your safety overseas and look forward to welcoming you home.”
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita cautioned local officials in several Indiana cities and counties that he will pursue legal action against them after July 1 if they refuse to follow laws aimed at apprehending illegal immigrants.
Attorney General Rokita’s office sent a blunt message to officials in East Chicago, Gary, West Lafayette and Monroe County: Confirm you have rescinded local policies that enable illegal immigration — or face swift legal consequences starting July 1.
“The flood of illegal immigrants entering the United States is a problem that harms all of us,” Attorney General Rokita said. “The ones paying the price for this lawlessness are Hoosier taxpayers, who must bear increased costs for health care, education and other services used by illegal immigrants.”
The Indiana General Assembly passed a law this year authorizing the attorney general to file lawsuits against any Indiana colleges, universities or units of local government not enforcing current Indiana laws banning sanctuary cities.
A "sanctuary city" is a term for a local unit of government that has adopted a policy to deliberately and intentionally disregard federal law and not cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
Town hall attendees and some state representatives have decried these “immigrant welcome centers” popping up around the state, expressing worries that crime and illegal, cheap labor will displace current residents in places like Johnson and Jackson counties.
“We welcome want-to-be-patriots to the United States who will add value to our country and want to live their lives under the values this country was founded upon,” Attorney General Rokita said. “The first way they can show that is by following our laws. Those who do not follow our laws by entering our country legally should not be allowed to stay.”
Attorney General Rokita has sent letters to officials in the cities of East Chicago, Gary, West Lafayette and Monroe County — warning them of impending action if they do not repeal current policies violating Indiana law.
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Latest Washington County Mugshots
The following individuals were arrested recently by local law enforcement agencies. Those listed, in most cases, are just facing charges at this point, and are to be considered innocent of those charges unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges are often dropped or lessened. Mugshots are collected from local law enforcement agencies on Mondays and are public records.
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