Federal Funds Available For Indiana Trails

Press Release

In accordance with Gov. Mitch Daniels’ INShape Indiana and the state’s trails initiative the DNR has recommended that the federal government divide $1,263,810 in available federal grant money for Indiana among eight outdoor recreation projects.

“We’re following the governor's directive to offer healthful trail access within a 15-minute drive of each state resident,” said Rob Carter, DNR director. “We hope the people of Indiana will take advantage of the trail opportunities and new facilities made possible with these grants.”

The grants come from the federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP). Each year a portion of federal taxes from gasoline purchased by off-highway vehicle (OHV) users is apportioned to the RTP through the Federal Highway Administration. Indiana’s distribution, the figure listed above, is based on OHV usage and fuel sales in the state. The state's DNR director recommends to the Federal Highway Administration which projects should be funded and at what level, through RTP. The funding levels listed below will not become official until they are federally approved.

The federal tax dollars are divided among the states, which use the money for acquiring and developing multi-use trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and OHVs. Program rules dictate that 30 percent of the funds be spent on motorized trails; 30 percent on trails for non-motorized sports; and 40 percent on diverse-use trails or education. To be eligible for this federal funding, states must have a trails advisory board (TAB) composed of different trails-interest groups.

Projects the DNR recommended to receive money, along with their proposed share of the grant money, scope and media contact are:

Redbird State Recreation Area Phase VI
Sponsor: DNR, Division of Outdoor Recreation
Location: Sullivan and Greene Counties
Award: $379,143
Total Cost: $473,929
This project will acquire more land for motorized vehicle trail use at Redbird State Recreation
Area.
Media Contact: Nila Armstrong, (317) 232-4029

Mid-America Trails and Greenways
Sponsor: DNR, Division of Outdoor Recreation
Location: Indianapolis
Award: $5,000
Total Cost: $6,250
This project will support educational programs at the Mid-America Trails Conference.
Media Contact: Steve Morris, (317) 232-4751

Town of Akron Hiking and Biking Trails
Sponsor: Akron Park Board
Location: Akron, IN
Award: $150,000
Total Cost: $192,350
This project will develop multi-use trail segments that connect to the downtown area, plus a small mountain bike park.
Media Contact: Dr. Charles Miller, President (574) 893-4123

Greenfield Trails Phase I
Sponsor: Greenfield Park Board
Location: Greenfield
Award: $150,000
Total Cost: $199,250
This project will acquire segments and develop a 1-mile trail connecting Riley Park with Brandywine Park and the Pennsy Trail.
Media Contact: Tracy Doyle, Superintendent (317) 477-4340

Panhandle Pathway Phase I
Sponsor: Friends of the Panhandle Pathway
Location: Winamac
Award: $150,000
Total Cost: $187,500
This project will acquire and develop a 4.5-mile multi-use trail on a rail-banked railway corridor south of Winamac.
Media Contact: John Bawcum, President (574) 946-7251

Little Turtle Waterway Trail Extension
Sponsor: Logansport Park and Recreation Board
Location: Logansport
Award: $150,000
Total Cost: $209,209
This project will acquire segments and develop 1.2 miles of trail along the Wabash River in Logansport.
Media Contact: Janet Fawley, Parks Administrator (574) 753-6959

Franklin Trail Extension
Sponsor: Franklin Park and Recreation Department
Location: Franklin
Award: $137,943
Total Cost: $172,428
This project will acquire and develop .8 miles of multi-use trail, beginning at Needham Elementary and heading east along Upper Shelbyville Road.
Media Contact: Suzanne Findley, Superintendent ((317) 736-3689

Turkey Creek Corridor
Sponsor: Lake County Parks and Recreation Department Office of Planning
Location: Crown Point
Award: $141,724
Total Cost: $256,850
This project will develop an .8-mile multi-use trail spur with two parking lots for trailheads and site amenities.

Since 1994, the DNR has administered 67 RTP grants totaling $9,190,441 for Indiana projects. For more information about the RTP program and how to apply, visit www.in.gov/dnr/outdoor/grants/rtp.html. Applications are due May 1 of each year.

Source: Indiana Department of Natural Resources