Politics
Senate Bill 312 Directs Infrastructure Funds to Indianapolis Construction Jobs and Transit Services
The measure channels state resources into Marion County projects that support local employment in building trades and upgrades to public facilities.
How we reported this
The Indiana General Assembly enacted Senate Bill 312 on July 1, directing $150 million in state appropriations toward infrastructure construction and workforce training programs in Marion County. The legislation targets road repairs, transit facility expansions, and job placement services that operate through the Indianapolis Department of Public Works and regional workforce boards.
State budget documents show the allocation responds to a 2025 Indiana Department of Transportation report that identified 47 miles of deficient pavement within Indianapolis city limits and projected a shortfall of 3,800 skilled trades positions by 2028. Lawmakers advanced the measure during the spring session to align with federal surface transportation grants that require matching state dollars.
Employment and Training Provisions
Residents seeking construction employment can access new apprenticeship slots funded under the bill at sites including the Indianapolis International Airport terminal expansion and the planned Blue Line bus rapid transit corridor along Washington Street. The measure requires contractors receiving state grants to reserve at least 25 percent of positions for individuals completing state-certified training programs administered through WorkOne Indy centers.
Service and Facility Improvements
Indianapolis residents will see scheduled work on six public health clinics and two libraries in the east and west sides, where the bill earmarks $28 million for structural upgrades and accessibility modifications. These projects are listed in the enrolled version of Senate Bill 312 and scheduled to begin permitting reviews in August 2026.
State fiscal analysts estimate the full $150 million will support 1,150 direct construction positions over 24 months, with an additional 420 indirect jobs in materials supply and engineering services, according to the bill's fiscal note attached to the final legislative record. The same document projects completion of 12 miles of resurfaced arterial roads by the end of fiscal year 2028.
The Indiana Department of Transportation will issue the first round of project solicitations under Senate Bill 312 by September 15, with local governments required to submit matching fund commitments by October 31. The legislation sets a December 2027 reporting deadline for the first progress audit to the General Assembly's fiscal committees.