INDIANAPOLIS – Gov. Eric J. Holcomb and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources announced Wednesday that 38 communities and non-profits will receive a total of $65 million for 77 miles of new trail development as a part of the third round of the Next Level Trails program. With matching funds from applicants, this round is expected to generate a total investment of more than $102 million.
The City of Columbus was one of the recipients and was granted $1,727,000 in Next Level Trails funds to use for its Riverfront Trail project.
“Trails connect communities together in such a personal way and are perfect pathways to good mental and physical well-being,” Gov. Holcomb said.
A $150 million grant program, Next Level Trails is the largest infusion of funding for trails in state history. In rounds one and two, 35 communities received $55 million. To date, $120 million has been awarded to build 190 miles of Indiana trails. DNR says 94% of Hoosiers live within five miles of a trail.
The grants awarded in the third round include 17 regional projects and 21 local projects. The list of awards, project descriptions and a map are posted at on.IN.gov/NLT-round-3.
