Governor announces trail grants: Towpath and Forks of the Wabash included

Governor Daniels announced today the award of 2008 Trail Grants to 28 different projects across Indiana.

The projects include $900,000 for the Towpath Trail on Fort Wayne's near west side that will link Aboite New Trails with the Fort Wayne Greenway and New Haven/Adams Township trail systems.

Also included is $250,000 for the Forks of the Wabash Trail in Huntington.

You may view the entire list of grantee trails here.

Notably, the grants also fund the development of several new mountain bike trails on state properties in Indiana.  For many years, the Kil-So-Quah Trail aound J. Edward Roush Lake was the only official mountain bike trail on state DNR owned or managed property.  It served as a "demonstration project" for much of that time.  Mountain bikers in northeast Indiana deserved kudos for helping build support for more mountain bike trails on Indiana properties.

From the Governor's news release:

Governor Mitch Daniels today announced $19 million in new investment for trails development as a part of his Hoosiers on the Move statewide trails plan.

“By making Indiana a ‘State of Trails’ we not only create new recreational opportunities, but also show the people who can bring businesses here the quality of life that Hoosiers enjoy,” said Daniels.   

The one-time distribution will be directed to 28 projects throughout the state by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and will result in 104 miles of new trails being built and the acquisition of land for an expected 26 miles of future trail development. Currently the state system includes about 400 miles of multi-use trails.   

Projects were chosen based upon geographic diversity, readiness to build, connectivity to the trails system, and local support. These funds are in addition to the $20 million the state invests annually as part of Daniels' Hoosiers on the Move trails initiative to connect communities throughout the state.    The 10-year plan calls for every Hoosier to be within 15 minutes of trail.

“The governor's announcement truly marks an historic day for the future of trails and greenways in Indiana. We could not be more enthused or appreciative of his efforts,” said Matthew T. Klein, board president of the Greenways Foundation. “It really shows that Gov. Daniels embraces the many economic and health benefits of linear parks."

DNR will manage both the new funding being allocated to local trails projects and the 150 miles of abandoned railroad corridor the state recently acquired for distribution to government entities and local trail groups for potential trail development.