May '08  Status of Current Projects Along NRHT

May '08  State Grants to Add 10 Miles to NRHT in 2008
Aug '07  NRHT Bridge Design in Terre Haute
Jun '07  NRHT Connects [Inside INdiana Business]
May '07  NRHT Route & Indy Greenways Priorities
Apr '07  Plainfield to Add 1.25 Miles in 2007
Jan '07  NRHT 2006 in Review
Dec '06  Coca-Cola & RTC Provide a Grant
Nov '06  Clark County, Illinois & NRHT
Oct '06  NRHT, Inc Opens Its First Trail Bridge
Apr '06  Governor Announces Plan for State Trails
Apr '06  Cumberland Pennsy Trail Moving Forward
Mar '06  NRHT Development Guide Published
Nov '05  Health Care Endorsement for NRHT
Sep '05  Illinois NRHT Momentum Growing
Sep '05  INDOT & Greencastle's Campus Link Trail
Aug '05  NRHT Mid Year Summary
Jun '05  Vandalia Trail Opens in Amo
Jun '05  Henry County Corridor Purchase
May '05  Study of trail to Illinois completed
Dec '04  Looking Back at NRHT's First Year
Oct '04  NRHT Receives Major Grants, Endorsements
Aug '04  Indianapolis MPO Adopts Vandalia Rail-Trail
Jun '04  National Road Heritage Trail, Inc. Introduced

---

May 2008
State Grants to Add 10 Miles to NRHT in 2008:  On May 20, Governor Mitch Daniels announced $19 million in new investment for trails development as a part of his Hoosiers on the Move statewide trails plan.  Four of the grants totaling $2,865,000 are planned to add about 10 miles to the cross-state NRHT route by the end of 2008.

The four cross-state NRHT projects include:

Vandalia Rail-Trail - Plainfield: $500,000, 1.9 miles
National Road Heritage Trail - Henry County:  $650,000, 4.0 miles
Pennsy Greenway – Indianapolis:  $900,000, 1.3 miles
Pennsy Trail – Greenfield: $800,000, 2.7 miles

In addition, Terre Haute received $900,000 for its 1.6-mile Collett Park Pathway which will connect to its original National Road Heritage Trail.

Click here for DNR press release and map showing grant locations.

---

August 2007
NRHT Bridge Design in Terre Haute:  In May, Five Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology senior civil engineering students presented to Wabash River Development and Beautification Inc. and Vigo County residents a big dream for Terre Haute's future: A pedestrian bridge across the Wabash River that could become the signature gateway for the region.  See the story here.

---

June 2007
NRHT Connects Communities, State:  On June 14, Inside INdiana Business published a story in their monthly Leadership Indiana newsletter describing the cross-Indiana NRHT initiative.  See the story here.

---

May 2007
NRHT Route Aligned with Indy Greenways Priorities

During recent local trail meetings in Indianapolis, Indy Greenways officials described the city's top priorities for trail development as the Pennsy Rail-Trail, Fall Creek Trail, White River Trail, and Eagle Creek Trail.  NRHT, Inc is glad to note that three of these four trails will form key sections of the proposed NRHT route across Marion County.

These three trails are currently in various phases of development.  The section of the White River Trail between downtown and Raymond Street is in the design phase, with construction to begin soon.  The Pennsy Rail-Trail is in the land acquisition phase.  The Eagle Creek Trail is already open as a 2-mile paved trail along Raymond Street to the White River, but future development north along the Eagle Creek levees will likely occur after the other trails above.

Two other related trail plans in Marion County will also form part of the NRHT route.  The Cumberland Pennsy Trail will soon enter the construction phase to Hancock County and will connect to the Indy Greenways Pennsy Rail-Trail at German Church Road.  The Indianapolis Cultural Trail is planned to connect all areas of downtown and has entered the construction phase along Alabama Street this summer.  Future phases of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail will form the NRHT route across downtown from White River State Park to Fountain Square.

---

April 2007
Plainfield to Add 1.25 Miles in 2007:  The next phase of the Vandalia Rail-Trail across the north side of Plainfield will be paved by year end.  See Indianapolis Star article on this and 6 other Plainfield trail projects.

---

January 2007
NRHT 2006 in Review:  On January 30, NRHT, Inc published a review of progress in 2006 both on the ground and in planning.  Developments included:

• NRHT Development Guide published
• NRHT highlighted in new State Greenways & Bikeways Plan.
• Coca-Cola & Rails-to-Trails Conservancy provided a grant to NRHT, Inc
• Local trail projects expanded facilities and plans in seven Indiana counties and even in one adjacent county in Illinois.

Click here for the complete review.

---

December 2006
Coca-Cola & RTC Provide a Grant for the NRHT

With guidance from the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Midwest Office, Coca-Cola North America has provided a $5,000 grant to NRHT, Inc to help further the goals of the National Road Heritage Trail initiative.  See story.

---

November 2006
Clark County, Illinois Announces NRHT Vision

During the Fall of 2006, the Clark County Trails Coalition published its first countywide Trails & Greenways Vision Plan featuring a more than 20-mile cross-county National Road Heritage Trail connecting to Indiana's NRHT at the state line.  This year-long effort was funded primarily by the Illinois Dept of Natural Resources and was performed by Storrow Kinsella Associates of Indianapolis.  (See the Plan.)

---

October 2006
NRHT, Inc Opens Its First Trail Bridge

Six months after beginning construction and just in time to view the Fall colors, NRHT, Inc opened its first trail bridge, the Vandalia Trail trestle over Crittenden Creek in southwest Hendricks County (see photos).  In one final push on October 1st, two crews of volunteers installed the entire railing structure along the north side of the bridge in just 6 hours.  It took 4 months to design and install the south side railing and 2 months before that to design and install the decking on this 60-foot long, 30-foot high bridge.  Within minutes after completion, hikers began taking advantage of this easier and more scenic route across the Crittenden Creek valley.

A bridge dedication event and opening of the trail to rustic bicycling is planned for Saturday October 21 at 1:30 PM.

This trestle conversion was the result of a broad collaboration between a number of organizations and individuals:

ORGANIZATIONS
Amo-Coatesville Sewer Conservancy board (easement donation)
Indiana Trails Fund (easement management)
Central Indiana Bicycling Association Foundation ($2,000 grant)
Hendricks County Trail Development Association (grant management)

VOLUNTEER TECHNICAL & DESIGN INPUT
Jerry Newburn, PE (initial trestle structure inspection)
Noel Brooks
Richard Vonnegut
Jeff Ray

VOLUNTEER DESIGN INPUT & LABOR
Greg Midgley
John Hoover
Barbara Filtri
Giuseppe Filtri
Steve Morris
Jonathan Miller
Rex Rollo
Kevin Wright
Mick Giralte

---

Governor Announces Plan for State Trails System

Indiana Department of Natural Resources
402 W. Washington St. W255 B
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2748

For immediate release:  April 26, 2006

Governor announces plan for state trails system
Indiana to host statewide summit to coordinate planning

Governor Mitch Daniels today announced the state's plan to build a system of trails that will better connect Hoosiers, contribute to the growing ethic of fitness and health, improve quality of life, and for some, provide an alternative means of transportation.

"Right now, we have a unique opportunity in Indiana to use existing corridors, such as abandoned railways, to build a superb trails system. At the same time, we can explore how to use the same system for some of the state's infrastructure needs, such as utilities and telecommunications," said Daniels, who made the announcement at the Vandalia Trail in Plainfield, which eventually will become part of the cross-state National Road Heritage Trail.  "This system will play a big factor in economic development, including expanding recreation and tourism, and will offer families and communities more options for health, fitness and socialization."

There are some 3,100 miles of trails in Indiana, and cities, towns, counties and townships across the state are making great strides in providing a wide variety of trails and greenways for Hoosiers, but most of these efforts don't connect with trails that may be in nearby counties or towns.

To get help with honing a state plan, Daniels and Department of Natural Resources Director Kyle Hupfer announced plans for a May 31 Indiana Trails Plan Summit. About 300 trail planners will be invited to participate in the event to better coordinate trails efforts on a statewide basis. This group will assist in the preparation of the statewide trails plan and discuss ways to finance and implement the program.

Following the conference, the plan will be put out for public comment and the DNR will facilitate a series of public meetings to discuss its details.

The plan will look ahead to the next ten years when Indiana is expected to add hundreds of miles of trails which will be used by hikers, bikers, equestrians, joggers, off-road vehicles, snow mobiles and those who simply enjoy a relaxing stroll.

Gov. Daniels issued a directive to DNR to take a leadership role and develop the framework for the trails plan.  DNR, the Indiana Department of Transportation, Department of Health, Office of Tourism, and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation worked on the initial draft.

Since the first draft was completed, more then 30 leaders representing trail users, local government, regional development organizations, agriculture and business have provided input as a steering committee to refine the plan and organize the May 31 conference.

"The Governor has shown great leadership on health and recreation issues and a statewide trails plan will put Indiana at the forefront of national greenways development," said Hupfer.

-30-

Reporters contact: Kim Brant, DNR Communications, 317-232-4003

---

April 2006
Cumberland Pennsy Trail Moving Forward

As of April 2006, the town of Cumberland is completing construction documents for 3 miles of the Cumberland Pennsy Trail. The town plans to acquire 2 miles of trail in Hancock County and 1 mile in Marion County at the end of 2006, or in early 2007. Construction documents include pedestrian bridge plans over the county line and over Buck Creek in Hancock County. The town expects construction to begin in 2007.

---

March 2006
NRHT Development Guide Published

On March 14, the design consultant for National Road Heritage Trail, Inc, Storrow Kinsella Associates (SKA), published the 9-volume National Road Heritage Trail Development Guide, documenting the proposed route of a 150-mile multi-use trail across Indiana and providing a blueprint for how to realize this goal on both the local and state levels.  This 14-month, $100,000 project was funded primarily by a grant from the Indiana Office of Tourism Development through the Lt. Governor’s Quality of Place Initiative with matching grants from the Efroymson Fund of the Central Indiana Community Foundation, the Greenways Foundation, the Central Indiana Bicycling Association Foundation, the Wabash Valley Community Foundation of Vigo County, and private donations.  The Indiana Trails Fund managed the finances of the project.

This comprehensive planning document is now being distributed to state agencies and local governments and citizens’ groups along the entire route.  NRHT, Inc encourages all to take advantage of this landmark resource for planning and developing new sections of the trail and connecting with neighboring projects.  SKA created a very user-friendly format for this document with one volume giving the Statewide overview and common guidelines and themes followed by separate volumes with very detailed local information for each of the 8 counties involved.

Groups can contact NRHT, Inc to arrange for delivery of a printed copy and CD of all or part of this set or can visit the NRHT web site, www.nrht.org, to view and download PDF files of any of the volumes.  NRHT, Inc encourages use of the electronic version to minimize printing and shipping costs.

• Related article in the Hendricks County Flyer

---

November 2005
Health Care Endorsement for NRHT

NRHT, Inc received its first corporate and health care related endorsement this month when the Board of Trustees of the Hancock Regional Hospital in the city of Greenfield voted to sign the NRHT Resolution of Support.

This vote followed a presentation by NRHT, Inc president, Greg Midgley, in October arranged by local contacts in Hancock County.  The presentation highlighted the health benefits of trails and the shared goals of the NRHT and Hancock Regional Hospital.  Greg also highlighted the proximity of Greenfield's existing 3-mile Pennsy Trail and encouraged the hospital to support the city's planned 1.5-mile extension of that local trail proposed to be part of the NRHT route.

Greenfield's Daily Reporter provided a preview in a story published the day of the presentation.  See the article.

 

---

September 2005
Illinois NRHT Momentum Growing

The Clark County Trails Coalition based in Marshall, Illinois has been awarded a $20,000 grant by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to help develop a countywide trails plan.  A key element of that trails network will be a bike path along the right-of-way of the National Road connecting with a Vigo County NRHT at the Indiana state line.  This Illinois DNR grant program specifically encouraged organizations to foster inter-state greenways collaborations.

At the same time, Terre Haute's Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has decided to help Clark and Cumberland counties in Illinois with research and planning for a 38-mile NRHT from the Indiana state line to the town of Greenup, known for its new covered bridge on the Historic National Road.  This help will come through a year-long senior engineering conceptual design project to begin in mid September.  The students will inventory the ownership of the property along the proposed route, provide design concepts for the trail and trailheads, and estimate development costs.

This collaboration was inspired by the 9-week feasibility study of a 7-mile NRHT connection between Terre Haute and the Illinois state line provided in May by Rose-Hulman freshman engineering students (click here for full story).  It also follows a similar year-long Rose-Hulman senior engineering design project completed in May for a trail concept to link Terre Haute to Rockville, Indiana through covered bridge country (click here for full story).    

---

September 2005
INDOT Approves Greencastle's Campus Link Trail

In late August, INDOT notified People Pathways and the city of Greencastle that it approved changing their Transportation Enhancement (TE) grant project to the new 3.8-mile Campus Link Trail.  Part of this new trail route will serve as the NRHT across Greencastle as well as provide a connection from the existing People Pathways Trail east of the city to the Depauw University campus and to the Nature Park on the west side of the city.  The combined Campus Link and Fillmore-Greencastle People Pathways trails will provide a continuous 6 miles of the NRHT in Putnam County.  Click here to see a map.

The original TE project included a hospital loop trail connected with a trailhead on Veteran's Memorial Highway.  Problems with access to a particular piece of property on this route and little support from the hospital led to reassessment of the route, especially in light of the growing endorsements by local organizations and officials to accommodate the NRHT.

---

August 2005
NRHT Mid Year Summary

It has been another busy year for the cross-state National Road Heritage Trail initiative.  Of the proposed 150 miles of trail, there are now over 40 miles either built or planned by local communities or by NRHT, Inc. and Indiana Trails Fund.  Click here for the full summary.

---

June 2005
Vandalia Trail Opens in Amo

On June 26, NRHT, Inc officially opened the first phase of the Vandalia Trail between Amo and Coatesville in southwestern Hendricks County.  This is the first section of trail created as a result of the cross-state NRHT initiative.  This 1.25-mile rustic trail for hiking and horseback riding extends from Pearl Street in Amo west about half way to Coatesville. [NRHT note: Since October 2005, the equestrian trail has been closed for upgrades.  NRHT will announce when the trail re-opens to horseback riders.]

The first 0.25 miles is an open-aired, well-manicured section in town.  The next mile passes through mature forest and varying terrain ending on the elevated railbed at the trestle 30 feet above Crittenden Creek.  A safety fence is in place to prevent access to the trestle until it is upgraded for trail use.

Due to the current rustic nature of this trail, it is important to note that there are no public restrooms, water, or electricity available.  There are a couple of nearby businesses in Amo, though, where food, drink, and some supplies can be purchased.  Informal parking is available on the gravel lot in front of the restored Interurban Depot on Pearl Street or a block west behind the small white building next to the trail on Railroad Street.

For now, hikers and horseback riders share the trail on the main railroad bed.  Work has started, though, to create a separate trail for horseback riders 30-60 feet south of the initial trail.  At the edge of town, it begins with a 600 foot long, well-manicured section then enters the forest and will follow the natural terrain for its full length.  Other future phases will involve preparing the trestle over Crittenden Creek for hiking and bicycling, preparing the creek bed for an equestrian crossing, clearing both trails for the remainder of the 3.5 miles to and through Coatesville, and upgrading the railroad bed with a smooth surface for bicycling.

So far, volunteer work has been the primary means of progress.  Grants will also be requested from various local, state, and national sources to help pay for the more significant construction and on-going maintenance, but volunteers will continue to be very important in the eventual success of this local project.  Most of the features of this 3.5-mile trail could be in place in 3-4 years if sufficient financial and volunteer support can be obtained.

---

June 2005

Henry County Corridor Purchase

Healthy Communities of Henry County has made very good progress in cooperation with DNR and INDOT in preparations to purchase most of the 10-mile railroad corridor between Knightstown and Lewisville which is currently for sale from a single owner.  Healthy Communities may also be able to buy other parts of the 20-mile corridor across the county at this time.

---

May 2005

Study of Trail to Illinois Completed

A design team of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology engineering students has completed their 9-week feasibility study of NRHT routes to connect the city of Terre Haute with a National Road greenway in Illinois.  The final report was presented to NRHT, Inc on May 18.  It was also presented to Vigo County, Indiana and Clark County, Illinois trails organizations.

The 4-member team researched possible bicycle/pedestrian trail routes from the Wabash River to the Illinois State Line in the area of US 40 and the Historic National Road.  The team, working under the name Yellow Brick Road, uncovered three possibilities ranging from 6.6 to 9.3 miles in length.  Comparing the relative merits of the three routes, the team recommended a 6.9-mile route that consists primarily of an expanded causeway, a rail-trail section, and separated trails parallel to original sections of the Historic National Road.

The results of this study will be referenced in the cross-state NRHT master plan currently being produced in cooperation with the Tourism Development Division, Indiana Department of Commerce through the Lt. Governor's Quality of Place Initiative (QPI).

---

DECEMBER 2004

Looking Back at NRHT's First Year - by Greg Midgley, president

In 2004, the cross-state National Road Heritage Trail (NRHT) initiative grew from an interesting idea kicked around over pizza in Broad Ripple to a partnership across 8-counties with 51 endorsing organizations, over a half million dollars in new grants, and the beginnings of an inter-state collaboration that could invigorate a similar initiative in Illinois. In appreciation of the much needed help and moral support provided by many individuals and organizations, we would like to highlight some of the key developments of this first year.

First, special recognition is due to the Indiana Trails Fund (ITF). ITF has been an important source of information for the NRHT project, while, even more importantly, working as its established fiscal agent. ITF's foresight in easing the start-up process for new not-for-profit trails activities in Indiana has allowed NRHT, Inc. to work directly on developing and promoting the NRHT concept rather than being distracted with administrative hurdles right away.

Highlights

Popular multi-use trails in Terre Haute, Greencastle, Plainfield, and Greenfield inspired this NRHT initiative in late 2003 and early 2004. Pennsy Trail plans in Indianapolis and Cumberland provided additional motivation, as did promotion of the idea of countywide greenways networks by Hendricks County parks groups and Henry County health groups.

As a result, we presented the NRHT to local governments, citizens' groups, and property owners across the state, where we received much useful feedback and even some media coverage. Articles mentioning the NRHT were published in the Greencastle Banner-Graphic, the Hendricks County Flyer, the Indianapolis Business Journal, the Knightstown Banner, the New Castle Courier-Times, and the Richmond Palladium-Item. The NRHT was also the subject of an INDOT press release and was mentioned in an Indiana Dept of Commerce press release. More specialized publications provided full articles on the proposed greenway, including quarterly newsletters of Hoosier Rails-to-Trails Council, Indiana National Road Association, and the Indiana Trail Riders Association (equestrian).

Formal endorsements of the NRHT flowed in this year, already leading to its being referenced in one city's parks master plan. A list of the organizations that have formally endorsed the NRHT is maintained on the Supporters page of our web site (www.nrht.org). Following is a breakdown of the current number by statewide organizations and by county:

NRHT Endorsements

7 Statewide Organizations
4 Wayne County
11 Henry County
1 Hancock County
5 Marion County (2 are "Central Indiana")
9 Hendricks County
5 Putnam County
1 Clay County
8 Vigo County

Following are glimpses of some of the notable events this year:

March-April: Presentations to town councils and to owners of former Vandalia-Pennsylvania- Interurban railroad corridors in western Hendricks and eastern Putnam counties uncovered strong local support for multi-use trails, and good near term potential for a new 8-mile trail to extend the existing 4 miles of People Pathways trails in Greencastle and Fillmore.

May: - Partnered with Indiana National Road Association (INRA) and Healthy Communities of Henry County.
- NRHT, Inc. incorporated as an Indiana not-for-profit organization

June: Presented preview of NRHT concept to 18 government officials, trails advocates, and bicycling enthusiasts from 6 of the 8 counties along the route. Found broad support for the concept as part of a statewide greenways network.

July: Town of Amo (Hendricks County) held groundbreaking ceremony for restoration of its historic Interurban railway station. It is positioned well to be a destination on the NRHT.

August: - Indy Greenways encouraged I-465 Interstate designers to provide an underpass for the NRHT/Vandalia Rail-Trail in the highway redesign near the airport.
- NRHT web site, www.nrht.org, went live.
- Helped Healthy Communities of Henry County apply for INDOT grant to purchase 10-20 miles of corridor along or near the former Pennsylvania Railroad.

September: - Terre Haute, Plainfield, & Irvington received INDOT grants for projects that could benefit NRHT.
- Equestrian advocacy group, Indiana Trail Riders Association, joined NRHT project.

October: - NRHT/ITF awarded $75,000 grant from Indiana Dept of Commerce, Office of Tourism to develop a master plan. Began raising $25,000 local match.
- Healthy Communities of Henry County awarded $450,000 grant from INDOT in a ceremony where Indiana's First Lady, Judy O'Bannon, spoke at length about the benefits of this potential cross-state greenway.

November: - Lewellen vs. Conrail corridor ownership lawsuit tentatively settled, potentially clearing up ownership information on the entire former Pennsylvania Railroad corridor. In some areas this helps NRHT, in other areas it may complicate matters.
- NRHT selected the Indianapolis-based design firm Storrow Kinsella Associates to manage the NRHT master plan development in 2005.
- Greenways Foundation and Central Indiana Bicycling Association Foundation committed grants to help create the NRHT master plan.

December: - Brazil City Council approved the city's first 5-year parks master plan. Clay Community Parks Association and Brazil Parks Board developed the plan and included a goal of future accommodation of the NRHT. This is the first formal master plan document in the state that references this cross-state NRHT initiative.
- Decided on July 4, 2005 as opening date for new rustic hiking trail on the corridor between Amo and Coatesville (Hendricks County), coinciding with dedication of Amo's restored Interurban station. Other trail phases soon to follow.
- Met with Clark County, Illinois economic development officials to discuss inter-state collaboration to connect planned greenways along National Road near Marshall with Indiana's NRHT.
- Organized a 17-member steering committee with representatives from across the state in the fields of transportation, recreation, urban planning, trails advocacy and development, and historic preservation to help guide the NRHT master plan creation.

---

OCTOBER 2004

NRHT Receives Two Major Grants, Endorsements from 41 Organizations

From Greg Midgley, President of NRHT

Dear Friends of the National Road Heritage Trail:

During the past week, the cross-state National Road Heritage Trail (NRHT) for bicyclists, pedestrians, and horseback riders took a big step forward with the award of two important grants and with the receipt of good news on a new corridor section.

On Tuesday, the Indiana Dept of Transportation announced the award of a $450,000 Transportation Enhancement grant to Healthy Communities of Henry County, a key NRHT partner, to help purchase 10-20 miles of the abandoned railroad corridor along the National Road (US 40) in Henry County. This grant is an important step towards development of the NRHT between Greenfield's Pennsy Trail and Richmond's Cardinal Greenway. 20% of the total purchase expenses will be raised as local match by Healthy Communities and NRHT, Inc.

INDOT TE Press Release

On Thursday, the Indiana Dept of Commerce announced the award of a $75,000 "Quality of Place Initiative" grant to the Indiana Trails Fund to create a "blueprint" of the 150-mile NRHT in 2005. This grant will help fund professional research on ownership and physical condition of the entire corridor and conceptual designs of key sections of the trail and trailheads. 25% of the total study expenses will be raised as local match by NRHT, Inc. with the help of its partners across the eight counties of Indiana's National Road and Pennsylvania railroad corridors. Part of this local match has already been committed.

Dept of Commerce QPI Press Release

On Saturday, inspection of the 3-mile Vandalia corridor (part of NRHT) from Amo to Coatesville showed that it is ready for near term trail development. The trail can easily be routed around the structure built near the midpoint, an impressive trestle bridge is intact and fully functional over the creek in this section, and the rail bed still contains the original ballast. The corridor owner and the town councils have endorsed the trail, easing the way to Vandalia Rail-Trail development. In addition, the town of Amo's restoration of its historic interurban railway station is progressing well, preparing the area to be a classic trailhead.

Many other communities along the NRHT route are proceeding with development of local greenway trails that can also serve as part of the NRHT.
- Terre Haute: Expanding its existing 5-mile NRHT west to the Wabash River.
- Greencastle: People Pathways is refining plans for the city trails network.
- Plainfield: Will complete 5 miles of Vandalia Rail-Trail in 3 years.
- Indy Greenways: In land acquisition & design phase for 6 mile Pennsy Trail.
- Cumberland: In land acquisition & design phase for ~2 mile Pennsy Trail.
- Greenfield: Plans 1.5 mile extension of its Pennsy Trail.

Most of these are among the 41 endorsements received by NRHT since March from government and citizens' organizations who desire to be connected by this cross-state greenway. With this broad support and these new grants, the NRHT initiative is now entering a very exciting phase, full of opportunities. In response, the NRHT board has decided to expand its formal organization, inviting all who have an interest at the state, county, or local level to participate on the board, on one of many committees, or through financial support.

There are many ways in which Hoosiers can help move this dream forward at the rapid pace seen so far. From talking with folks about the fun, fitness, and adventure of having a multi-use trail nearby, to sorting out real estate legal issues, to coming up with creative financing ideas for construction or maintenance, to brainstorming trail design ideas, and on and on. If it's related to greenways or trails, you'll find it on the NRHT today in one stage or another.

We know that many of you are already hard at work developing wonderful local greenways along the NRHT route as well as others. For those of you who have some time to help with this initiative to connect them or to begin new local efforts, please contact us to join in. Also, please feel free to pass this update on to others who may be interested in helping move this epic Hoosier greenway forward. We'll always be glad to keep you informed, too.

---

Indianapolis Metropoliltan Planning Organization Adopts Vandalia Rail-Trail as part of Cross-State National Road Heritage Trail

Courtesy of Hoosier Rails-to-Trails Council

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) endorsed the addition of a fifth spoke to central Indiana's planned greenway trail network in September, the cross-state National Road Heritage Trail (NRHT) and its Marion County component, the Vandalia Rail-Trail. The Vandalia will join the four other major non-motorized trail corridors endorsed by MPO in the area: the north side Monon trail corridor, the northeast side Fall Creek/Interurban trail corridor, the east side Pennsy trail corridor, and the west side B&O trail corridor. The Vandalia Rail-Trail concept, which is also under consideration by Indy Greenways, would provide a connection to the southwest with the expanding Indianapolis International Airport and the town of Plainfield.

From downtown, at the historic former National Road / Washington Street bridge between the Indianapolis Zoo and White River State Park, the National Road Heritage Trail is proposed to follow one of several possible routes west, joining the new Vandalia Rail-Trail at or east of the Eagle Creek Trail, then following the Vandalia Rail-Trail west through a redesigned I-465 underpass, under INDOT review, sharing greenspace preserved by active rail for some of the route. The total length of the Vandalia Rail-Trail in Marion County would be 6-8 miles, with several more miles in eastern Hendricks County joining the town of Plainfield's partially open Vandalia Rail-Trail.

West of Plainfield, discussions are on-going to extend the Vandalia Rail-Trail along much of the alignment of the former Vandalia rail corridor, continuing another 18 miles to the towns of Cartersburg, Clayton, Coatesville, Amo and finally to Fillmore, and joining the existing People Pathways trail which continues to Greencastle. The entire 35-mile trail is intended to become a section of the proposed cross-state National Road Heritage Trail, ultimately stretching 150 miles from Terre Haute to Richmond.

"The MPO endorsement is a very important step for our whole initiative," noted Greg Midgley, president of NRHT, Inc., which is actively supporting the Vandalia Rail-Trail and the entire NRHT. "Along with their previous commitment to the Pennsy Trail, it supports the key role that Indianapolis needs to play to make the cross-state trail work. It's a critical and exciting component of the NRHT."

---