Three Region trail projects are among 14 to receive state funding in the latest round of grants in the Next Level Trails program.
Governor Eric Holcomb and Indiana Department of Natural Resources Director Dan Bortner announced the grants, including one each for the towns of LaCrosse, Burns Harbor and Porter, Wednesday afternoon in LaCrosse.
Fourteen communities will receive a combined $31.2 million for 28 miles of new trail as a part of the fourth round of the Next Level Trails program. Of that, LaCrosse will receive $2.1 million for 3.1 miles of of the Grand Kankakee Marsh Trail, Burns Harbor will receive $5 million for 0.82 miles of the Marquette Greenway, and Porter will receive $2.1 million for 1.04 miles of the Marquette Greenway.
“Across the state, trails are making connections – bringing people and communities together in ways we’ve never seen before,” Holcomb said. “The Next Level Trails program has elevated those connections with record trail funding and palpable energy. Through $180 million across four rounds, we’re funding important infrastructure that is making an impact now and will continue to be felt for generations to come.”
Grant projects included extensions to the Poka-Bache Trail in Steuben County and local projects in Evansville, Oldenburg, Yorktown and Santa Claus.
“Through Next Level Trails and its $180 million in grants, Indiana continues making history,” said Dan Bortner, DNR director. “Never before in our state have so many Hoosiers come together with the shared mission of connecting communities. Over the last five years, that shared mission, historic funding, and Gov. Holcomb’s steadfast commitment have created a tangible impact in the form of nearly 100 miles of new trail open in all corners of our state and more soon to come.”
The fourth-round grant recipients are contributing $15.5 million in matching value, resulting in a $46.7 million total investment in trails. The program requires a minimum 20% project match.
Specifics of the three Northwest Indiana grants are:
Grand Kankakee Marsh Trail, Town of LaCrosse
Grant amount: $2.1 million
Total project cost: $2.7 million
Description: A 3.1-mile multi-use trail from the public library in LaCrosse to County Road 2200 South along a former railroad corridor. The project is part of the Great American Rail Trail, a proposed trail route from Washington, D.C. to Washington state. Partners on the project include LaPorte County and the Health Foundation of LaPorte. Future plans include extending the trail south to North Judson and the existing 11-mile Erie Trail.
Marquette Greenway, Town of Burns Harbor
Grant amount: $5 million
Total project cost: $7.5 million
Description: Adds 0.82 miles of paved multi-use trail along the Marquette Greenway from the existing Marquette Greenway east of Indiana 149 traversing along the Little Calumet River, beneath an active railroad line and toward the town of Porter. Construction of this segment will require extensive retaining wall and boardwalk. The Marquette Greenway is a proposed 50-mile trail corridor that will connect Chicago and New Buffalo, Michigan.
Marquette Greenway, Town of Porter
Grant amount: $2.1 million
Total project cost: $2.6 million
Description: A 1.04-mile paved multi-use trail connecting Burns Harbor’s Marquette Greenway segment to the Porter Brickyard Trail at Howe Road. The Porter Brickyard Trail extends east to Indiana 49, the Calumet Trail and Indiana Dunes National Park.