Gov. Holcomb's Next Level Trails Grant Program Met With Great Enthusiasm

Monday, March 4, 2019 at 9:58 AM

Applicants from 42 of the state’s 92 counties have requested funds for more than 240 potential miles of hiking, biking and riding trails.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – Several Indiana counties are requesting funds for Governor Eric Holcomb’s Next Level Trails grant program.

The governor announced the launch of the program in December, which will dedicate $90 million to connect communities through more hiking, biking and riding trails.

The Next Level Trails grant program has already received 82 applicants from 42 counties, requesting a total of nearly $144 million in funding. That money would be used toward more than 240 potential miles of hiking, biking and riding trails.

“The number of applications in the first round far surpassed our expectations and shows Indiana’s enthusiasm for trails.” Gov. Holcomb said. “This sends a big message that Hoosiers are invested in improving quality of life across the state.”

The grant program is part of Holcomb’s $1 billion Next Level Connections infrastructure program. Holcomb says up to $20 million in regional projects and up to $5 million in local projects will be granted in the opening round.

In total, $70 million will go to regional projects and $20 million will fund local projects. All funding will be awarded in rounds until all funds have been allocated. The first awards are expected to be announced in early Spring.

Eligible applicants include units of government or 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.

For more information, visit www.on.IN.gov/nextleveltrails.