Indiana State Representatives Jeff Espich (R-82nd District, left) and Dan Leonard (R-50th District, second, from left) visited the Town of Markle to announce the approval of a grant to renovate a portion of Tracy Street. Photo by Andre B. Laird.

On Thursday, Aug. 5, state representatives Jeff Espich (R-82nd District) and Dan Leonard (R-50th District) dropped by Markle's Town Hall with some big news.

The men reported that the town received $1.2 million in funding to put towards making upgrades to Tracy Street, from U.S.-224 to south of Ind.-116.

The money is a portion of an 80/20 match grant, worth about $1.7 million, which is partially funded by INDOT (Indiana Department of Transportation).

The Town of Markle will contribute approximately $400,000 towards the project.

Markle Utility Supervisor Rick Asher says the plan is to completely renovate the designated portion of Tracy St.

"The road will be expanded to be 12 feet wider, and packed deeper to handle commercial traffic," Asher stated. "We will also install sidewalk, from Country View down to Parkview Drive, where there is a walkway drive."

Asher added that everything will be new, including the base of the road, storm drains and sewer lines will be run, to be accessible by residents should they wish to tie into them at a later date.
Clerk-Treasurer Shelley Monticue says that although they may have received word of the grant, there are still a few more hurdles to clear.

"The project probably won't be started until 2014," Monticue said. "We also have to put the job up for bid first and find the best company to do the work. It takes a while for all the prep work to be completed."

Complete caption: Indiana State Representatives Jeff Espich (R-82nd District, left) and Dan Leonard (R-50th District, second, from left) visited the Town of Markle to announce the approval of a grant to renovate a portion of Tracy Street. Also pictured are Rick Asher, town utility supervisor and Shelley Monticue, Markle clerk-treasurer.