Indiana Trails Program funds two projects in Hamilton County

By GREGG MONTGOMERY
WISH-TV | wishtv.com

Five Indiana trails projects, including three in the Indianapolis area, have received money from the state government for development assistance, the Department of Natural Resources said in a news release issued last Thursday.

Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation Department will receive one of the two largest grants, each totaling $400,000, for a half-mile of its White River Greenway in Hamilton County. The Fort Wayne city government received the other $400,000 grant for about three-quarters of a mile of its Fishing Line Trail.

Carmel recently began on a north extension of the White River Greenway, which was first developed in 1998 and 1999. The asphalt trail in the very northeastern part of Carmel winds through wooded acres parallel with the White River.

The Hamilton County Parks & Recreation Department will receive $386,827.80 for trails at the Bur Oak Bend, totaling 1.65 miles. The 129-acre park along the White River near Noblesville includes only one developed area, the public-access Riverwood Canoe Launch that opened in 2007.

Each of the governments will provide matching funds for their trail projects. Project schedules vary for the grant recipients, but the first of the trail projects could be open by October, the release said.

The Indiana Trails Program issues grants every two years. The program is dedicated to expanding and enhancing Indiana’s network of trails, aiming to support outdoor recreation, community connectivity, economic development, and quality of life for Hoosiers.

The DNR received 31 applications for the latest distribution. Brandt Baughman, director of Indiana State Parks, said in the release, “The strong interest this year underscores just how important trail development has become across the state.”

This story was originally published by WISH-TV at wishtv.com/news/politics/indiana-trails-program-funds-5-projects-including-2-in-hamilton-county.