$2 million grant to city for trails project

The City of Greencastle is one of 38 communities receiving a combined $65 million for 77 miles of new trail development as part of the third round of Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb’s Next Level Trails initiative.

With matching grants from applicants, this round is expected to generate a total investment of more than $102 million statewide.

Locally a $2,003,572 grant will impact 2.39 miles of the National Road Heritage Trail in Greencastle.

A new section of trail will begin behind Zinc Mill Terrace, a little west of Ivy Tech, continuing to Tennessee Street and on to U.S. 231., then over to Cemetery Road and finally to Jackson Street.

The grant will also pave an existing 0.85-mile gravel portion of the trail as it heads southwest toward Limedale along the east side of South Jackson Street, south of Veterans Memorial Highway and across from the bowling alley. The project will also upgrade an existing trailhead in that area.

Greencastle Mayor Bil Dory said communities have four years to complete the work on the project. Surveying and engineering work, along with easement and right-of-way acquisition are the first steps.

No construction is expected this year, the mayor said. “Depending on how quickly other things go, we could see construction next year,” he said.

The project connects to the existing trail network within the city, partnering with People Pathways.

The funds are state dollars and part of the governor’s Next Level agenda.

“Trails connect communities together in such a personal way and are perfect pathways to good mental and physical well-being,” Gov. Holcomb said. “These continued quality-of-life investments will reap generational economic and tourism development dividends and further showcase Indiana’s incredible outdoor experiences.”

A $150 million grant program, Next Level Trails is the largest infusion of trails funding in state history. In rounds one and two, a total of $55 million was awarded to 35 communities. To date, $120 million has been awarded to build 190 miles of trails throughout Indiana. Ninety-four percent of Hoosiers live within five miles of a trail.

Next Level Trails is part of Gov. Holcomb’s $1 billion Next Level Connections infrastructure program, which accelerates the completion of major highway projects, expands access to rural broadband services, and pursues rail expansion in northwest Indiana.