Improving quality of place and providing more recreational opportunities for Hoosiers appears to be a priority around Indiana.
The office of Gov. Eric Holcomb recently announced the first round of the Next Level Trails grant program received 82 applications requesting a total of nearly $144 million in funding. The applicants are from 42 of the state’s 92 counties, with requests that could add more than 240 miles of hiking, biking and riding trails if approved.
“The number of applications in the first round far surpassed our expectations and shows Indiana’s enthusiasm for trails,” Holcomb said. “This sends a big message that Hoosiers are invested in improving quality of life across the state.”
The Next Level Trails grant program is the largest infusion of trail funding in state history, dedicating $90 million to connect communities. The grant program is part of Next Level Connections, Holcomb’s $1 billion statewide infrastructure program. Up to $20 million in regional projects and up to $5 million in local projects will be granted in this opening round. Next Level Trail funds will be awarded in rounds until all funds have been allocated.
The grant program is divided into two components: a $70 million fund for regional projects and a $20 million fund for local projects. Each fund will require a 20 percent project match, which can include monetary contributions, land value, and in-kind donations of materials and labor.
Projects funded through this program must be open to the public. Eligible applicants include units of government or 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources will review the applications to ensure they met requirements and then a multi-agency committee will evaluate the proposals. The first awards are expected to be announced in early spring.
