INDIANAPOLIS — After six decades of wear and tear, many of Indiana's welcome centers could soon receive much-needed upgrades.
On Tuesday, Indiana Department of Transportation Chief Financial Officer Joe Gustin asked legislators to approve $255 million in funding for the construction of six new centers — a move that's part of a larger $600 million INDOT initiative to update, close or replace 16 facilities statewide over the next 13 years.
”Except for two new ones that we’re going to build on I-69 (southbound), all the other efforts have been focused on taking care of the ones that we have," Gustin told the State Budget Committee.
Gustin, along with INDOT Statewide Facilities Management Director Steve McAvoy, told the committee the centers will include recreational spaces, updated amenities, and highlights of the region's history.
”I do believe they’re destinations," McAvoy said of welcome centers. "From just what we’ve seen at Kankakee, you know, with a sheer amount of traffic that comes there now."
Money for the six new centers would come out of the 2023 State Highway Fund. While some lawmakers on both sides of the aisle acknowledged the need for upgrades, several also expressed concerns over the price tag.
"$42 million apiece on average is a heck of a welcome center," State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) said to Gustin and McAvoy. "You can build a world class facility for $42 million.”
”I just question a quarter billion dollars worth of investments in welcome centers when I know for a fact there are higher priority projects across the state," State Sen. Fady Qaddoura (D-Indianapolis) said addressing both INDOT officials.
INDOT officials said most of the money will go towards pavement, specifically for 1,200 new parking spots for semis.
”Anyone that can travel the interstates at night or early in the morning will see all of these semis lined up on the ramps, and adding 1,200 additional spots will help alleviate that safety situation," Gustin said.