IMPO Awards Nearly $475,000 in Local Planning Grants for Transportation, Infrastructure Studies

INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 25, 2025) – The Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization (IMPO) has announced the award of nearly $475,000 in planning grants to five local public agencies across Central Indiana through its Local Planning Grant Program.

The program, which supports transportation and infrastructure planning initiatives, received six applications during the 2025 funding cycle. Five projects were selected, totaling $474,720 in IMPO funding and a 20 percent local match from participating communities with a combined total project value of $593,400. Each selected project requires a 20 percent local match, and all funds must be obligated by the end of 2026.

The selected projects include:

• Town of Speedway – 16^th Street Multimodal Corridor Study
  Total Cost: $125,000 | IMPO Funding: $100,000
  Study to improve safety and multimodal connectivity on a high-risk arterial corridor serving schools, parks, and transit routes.
• Town of McCordsville – Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan
  Total Cost: $100,000 | IMPO Funding: $80,000
  Updated plan to address pedestrian and bike infrastructure gaps in one of Central Indiana’s fastest-growing communities.
• City of Indianapolis – Arlington Avenue Corridor Study
  Total Cost: $125,000 | IMPO Funding: $100,000
  Visioning and planning study to improve safety and multimodal mobility along Arlington Avenue, including trail connectivity.
• Town of Whitestown – Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update
  Total Cost: $125,000 | IMPO Funding: $100,000
  Plan update to accommodate rapid growth, address safety concerns, and improve access to the Big 4 Trail and other regional connections.
• Hamilton County – 146^th Street and River Road Feasibility Study
  Total Cost: $118,400 | IMPO Funding: $94,720
  Intersection and bridge feasibility study to improve safety and reduce congestion in a high-traffic corridor.

These projects will begin procurement in fall 2025, with planning launching in early 2026. This year marks the beginning of a new annual cycle for the grant program, which previously awarded funding in 2017, 2018, and 2022, resulting in 22 completed plans.

“These planning grants are critical to helping local governments proactively address infrastructure challenges, promote safer streets, and plan for future growth,” said Anna Gremling, executive director of the IMPO. “Our investment in early-stage planning ensures communities have the tools and resources to pursue data-driven, multimodal transportation solutions that improve quality of life for residents.”

The IMPO will collaborate with the selected agencies to issue Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to support project execution. Agencies can visit https://www.indympo.org/funding/planning-grant-opportunities to learn more.