News

Transportation Bill Increases Funding For Trails, Begins Safe Routes to School Grant - August 8, 2005
from America Bikes

The final federal transportation bill set for approval by both the House and Senate will launch a new Safe Routes to School program, and strengthen existing programs that will make it safer and easier for millions of Americans to bicycle and walk. “This bill will help states provide substantial benefits for adults and children who ride bicycles, and this will benefit America as a whole – by helping people avoid traffic congestion, by producing less air pollution, and by helping more Americans lead active, healthy lives,” says Andy Clarke, President of the Board of America Bikes and Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists.

The new Safe Routes to School program, championed by Representative James Oberstar of Minnesota, is funded at $612 million over 5 years and will help make it safe and convenient for children to walk to school. Grants administered by state Departments of Transportation will allow communities to build sidewalks, fix hazards, and slow traffic near schools while increasing safety through focused enforcement and education programs. A smaller new program, the Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Program, will grant each of four designated communities $6.2 million annually over 4 years to develop comprehensive networks for bicycling and walking. The intent is to demonstrate the potential of such networks to shift travel patterns.

The bill, known as the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act-Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), also strengthens three existing programs of importance to bicycling: Transportation Enhancements, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ), and Recreational Trails. The Transportation Enhancements program has been a primary source of funding for multi-use trails and other facilities, and funding for the program is set at approximately $3.5 billion over 5 years. CMAQ helps communities improve air quality with non-polluting solutions. This program will be available in more communities and funding is set at about $8.6 billion over 5 years. The Recreational Trails program uses off-road vehicle fuel taxes to build trails; it will receive a higher portion of the revenue from those taxes, receiving $370 million over five years, $100 million more than the original allocation in the last bill, TEA-21. “Everyone who contributed funds or contacted their members of Congress – bicycle suppliers, shop owners, advocates, club riders – should be proud that our efforts convinced members of Congress that when America bikes, America benefits,” says Tim Blumenthal, Executive Director of Bikes Belong, the coalition representing the bicycle industry that has provided primary funding for America Bikes.

As in any legislation, the final bill fell short of reaching all of America Bikes’ goals. In the final days of House-Senate negotiation the Senate’s Fair Share for Safety provision was removed, which would have required states to spend their safety funds in proportion to bicycle and pedestrian deaths. Today most states spend only a tiny fraction of those funds on non-motorized safety, despite bicyclist and pedestrian fatality rates averaging 13 percent. Another disappointment was the Senate’s defeat, by a slim margin, of a provision that would have required the construction of complete streets – roads that safely serve all users. “Despite these disappointments, we are confident that we have established bipartisan momentum for doing more to make all of our streets safe for bicycling and walking,” says Clarke. A number of other provisions will also help improve the environment for people who bicycle and walk; please check out our website regularly for additional information on all the provisions. This information will be updated as details become available.

Trail Projects Receive Major Annual Funding - July 27, 2005

Several communities around the state received notice this week of awards from the coveted Transportation Enhancements grant program to assist in building trails. The annual federal grant program is the largest public grant available to trail projects and is known to be fiercely competitive, with applicants outnumbering awards by as much as eight to one. This year's awards went to several historic bridge rescue projects, most of which are to be used as part of a community trail system. The total amount granted in Indiana, which also went to various streetscape and other historic preservation projects, totaled $17.4 million. On average it takes 3-5 years for an award to result in a completed trail.

To find out more about the Transportation Enhancements program in Indiana, visit the Indiana Dept. of Transportation (INDOT) site.

Trail-related projects which received awards in 2005:

Anderson - Reassemble Fountain County #7 for use in trail system - $710,320
Bluffton - Wabash River Greenway Extension and Interurban Trail - $1,000,000
Bluffton - Rehabilitate Wabash River Greenway Historic Truss Bridge - $495,000
Covington - Reuse Fountain County Bridge #63 in Trail System - $701,625
Delphi - Canal Boat - $554,900
Greenwood - Tracy Trail - $1,000,000
Hammond - Grand Calumet Bike Trail-Phase 1 - $570,600
Morgan County - Landersdale Trail - $1,000,000
Muncie - White River Greenways Trail-Phase 4 - $955,592
Portland - Portland River Path - $560,000
Rising Sun - Historic Downtown and River Walk - $561,690
Shipshewana - Pumpkinvine Nature Trail-Phase 4 - $1,000,000
Warsaw - Lake City Greenway-Additional Funding - $500,000

Planning in Progress to Save Rail-Trails - June 20, 2005

Preliminary plans are now in progress to save the Wilbur Wright Trail, Wooly Bear Trail, and 10 miles of the cross-state National Road Heritage Trail through Henry County. This major effort involving cooperation among a number of public and private groups will unfold in the coming weeks, although details are not yet available. The 3 trail projects in Henry County represent roughly half of the rail-trail mileage which was recently put at risk by an impending auction (see "Hopes Running Out..." story). An alert sent from the Hoosier Rails-to-Trails Council to the Indiana Trails Mailing List on May 26 reached trail advocates and officials statewide and may have helped set the wheels in motion. Public support for trails is strong in Henry County and there have been over $1.5 million in grants and other funds committed to realizing the vision of over 30 miles of rail-trail.

In Fort Wayne and Allen County, a plan for funding is also materializing which would save the Northwest Allen rail-trail in suburban Fort Wayne which garnered a $350,000 state grant last year.

Remaining at risk this week are the proposed 18.5 mile Covered Bridge Gateway Trail in Parke and Vigo Counties, and a proposed trail from downtown Auburn to the Northwest Allen rail-trail. Neither area has had funding committed to the projects and planning is in the early stages.

Hope Running Out for Five Major Rail-Trail Projects - May 26, 2005

Indiana has a lot of catching up to do with our neighbor states in rail-trail mileage, and interest in developing new trails has never been greater. However, hopes for five major Indiana rail-trail projects in the planning stages are fading fast, as the common primary landowner of each plans to auction off all land in the corridors beginning next March, unless emergency temporary funding can be found by mid-July 2005. The seller, US Rail Vest in South Bend, acquired the properties from the defunct Penn Central railroad in the mid-70's to mid-80's. Even though the land acquisition funding for almost all the projects has been fully promised over the next few years, attempts at negotiating terms which would give trail groups additional time for the funds to become available were unsuccessful. "They're just not interested in working with trail groups," said Jeff Ray, chairman of the Healthy Communities of Henry County trails committee, expressing his frustration. "They want to get rid of this land as fast as possible. Even though we'd buy entire lines from them, they'd still rather work with all the individual buyers who have the cash right now. There is no way they will end up selling more land that way, but they just don't seem to care."

Public auctions, beginning in March 2006, would effectively ruin the chances of these projects coming to fruition by splitting the corridors into hundreds of smaller parcels purchased by individuals. Counting on successful bids at auction from trail groups to preserve the continuity of the corridors is also a bleak prospect.

With one exception, all projects in jeopardy have secured grants and other funding means which would pay for all land acquisition costs in 3-5 years. But US Rail Vest, which has been in contact with trail groups since 2002, won't wait any longer. "All we need is time," said Kevin Heber, a director of the Hoosier Rails-to-Trails Council, "These trail groups have 100 percent of the funding which is needed already in place. But we just can't get to the money until all the i's are dotted and t's crossed. You have to go through the same basic procedure as if you were building an interstate highway. It's frustrating but it just takes time."

These projects represent countless hours of work by dedicated local volunteers and invaluable opportunities for Indiana. The total amount in loans or temporary funding needed for projects with 100% commitment over 3-5 years is $464,000, while the total funding needed to preserve all projects is $859,000. The Hoosier Rails-to-Trails Council is urging citizens and public officials to help save these priceless trail projects as an investment in our future. Donations and loans are being collected via the Indiana Trails Fund. Please contact us or call (317) 237-9348 for more details.

The corridors which are in jeopardy are the following:

National Road Heritage Trail (NRHT), Henry County

Ten miles of this cross-state project trail, passing through historic Knightstown, Dunreith and Lewisville, would be lost, putting the entire 150-mile trail vision at risk.  In 2004 the NRHT garnered over $500,000 in grants to fund a comprehensive study of the corridor and to acquire land in Henry County. The trail group, led by NRHT president and Hoosier Rails-to-Trails Council director Greg Midgley, has secured an endorsement from every town along the route in Henry County and from over 60 government and nonprofit organizations across the state and into Illinois.

Temporary funding needed immediately to save this trail: $200,000
If saved, amount of funding already committed for land acquisition (3-5 years): 100%

Wooly Bear Trail and Wilbur Wright Trail, Henry County

Crossing Henry County, these two trails would pass through the heart of New Castle and several small towns, connect the Westwood Recreational Area, Wilbur Wright Fish & Wildlife Area, and the Cardinal Greenway. Dramatic topography in the Little Blue River Valley makes this area one of the most scenic in all of central Indiana.  About 14 miles of these trails would be completely lost, rendering plans all but hopeless except for a short section within New Castle.  Long-term funding has been fully secured via public grants and commitments from Healthy Communities of Henry County, led by director Helen Steussy and trail committee chairman Jeff Ray.

Temporary funding needed immediately to save these trails: $180,000
If saved, amount of funding already committed for land acquisition (3-5 years): 100%

North Fort Wayne Penn-Central Trail, Allen and Dekalb County

At least a 6 mile project centered between State Road 3/Lima Road and Coldwater road, passing along the east side of the Salomon Farm Park and Parkview YMCA, this trail has enormous potential, located in the rapidly-developing northern suburbs.  Extensions could connect it with the Fort Wayne Rivergreenway to the south, and to Dekalb County and Auburn to the north.  The north suburbs of Fort Wayne would benefit greatly from this trail, much as Carmel has benefited from the Monon Trail. Long-term funding has been fully secured for Allen County through a Transportation Enhancements grant.

Temporary funding needed immediately to save this trail: $84,000 for Allen County;  $80,000 for Dekalb County
If saved, amount of funding already committed for land acquisition (3-5 years): 100% for Allen County; 0% for Dekalb

Covered Bridge Gateway Trail, Parke and Vigo County

Beginning on the north end at the historic Rockville depot and running south to North Terre Haute through scenic Parke County among the famous bridges, this 18.5 mile trail, like the B&O Trail, might provide a much-needed horse path and an escape from the tourist-clogged roads in October. If extended a few miles north of Rockville, the trail would intersect the B&O (above) and provide a southward excursion for trailgoers.  Although no long-term funding has been committed yet on this project, the prospect of enhancing tourism in this region makes it a worthy investment.  A major feasibility study was commissioned by the West Central Indiana Economic Development District, and a team of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology seniors spent 1500 hours over the 2004-05 school year writing the report,  Lebanon resident and former rail worker Delmar Kinslow remembers the rail line well. "Myself and an old fellow named Ray Gooch were the last two people to work that line," Kinslow recalled, "I remember how scenic it was to ride the rail from Frankfort to Terre Haute, but especially the areas around Parke County. From the track you could see numbers of covered bridges and deer galore."

Funding needed immediately to save this trail: $225,000 for Parke County; $90,000 for Vigo County
If saved, amount of funding already committed for land acquisition (3-5 years): 0%

Summary
Total Temporary Funding Needed for Projects With 100% Commitment over 3-5 years:  $464,000
Total Funding Needed to Preserve All Projects: $859,000

Fleeting glimpses (left to right): the NRHT bridge in Knightstown; the Rockville depot; the North Fort Wayne corridor

Whitewater Canal Trail Opens - May 5, 2005
submitted by Hermine Niesz

A new chapter in Franklin County transportation history was written Saturday, April 30th, 2005. After years of planning and preparation, the first section of the Whitewater Canal Trail was opened.

The ribbon cutting was the official opening of the trail that ultimately will link Metamora and Brookville. The path follows the Whitewater Canal, first used for canal boat transportation and then for the railroad. More than two miles of pathway were cleared by volunteers for the opening. The two miles are one section of a planned eight-mile trail.

Larry Hinkle, Visteon Plant Manager, made the ceremonial ribbon cut. Visteon’s "See the Possibilities Fund" generously granted more than $16,000 in funding towards the Yellow Bank connector. Steve Morris of the Indiana Department of Resources recognized the efforts of the community in creating the canal trail at Saturday’s open ceremonies.

Mick Wilz, Whitewater Canal Trail president said “I stopped counting the number of volunteer hours on the project after 1,600 hours this spring.” He gave credit to all of the workers who manually moved railroad ties and prepared the parking area. He also recognized the WTC Board of Directors: Gary Rieveschl, Charles Hynes, Tom Cooney, Fred Chappelow, Lowell Beneker, Thad Ariens and Carla Austin.

Wilz also recognized the Franklin County Visitors and Tourism Commission by presenting a Certificate of Appreciation for providing funding for the trail’s first kiosk. The kiosk was hand-crafted by volunteers using Franklin County milled cedar. The kiosk features seating in addition to a message board for trail information at the Yellow Bank Trailhead.

Despite the cold weather, more than 80 people attended the event, including Smokey Bear. After the ceremonial cut, Smokey lead the attendees on the first official hike, appropriately handing out trail mix.

To help finance the on-going construction and maintenance of the trail, Whitewater Canal Trail T-Shirts and sturdy walking sticks were sold to many of the participants. And although the trail is free and open to the public, annual memberships were offered. Many volunteer opportunities exist for individuals or groups, as Fall 2005 plans include opening an additional three mile section to Metamora. This trail when completed, will run between the towns of Brookville and Metamora, Indiana.

For further information please contact the Whitewater Canal Trail Committee at 765-647-6457 or 765/647-7365, or by email at canaltrail@brookville47012.com. Check out our website for periodic updates on events and progress at www.whitewatercanaltrail.com

Land and Water Conservation Fund at Risk- April 19, 2005

Most of us are acutely aware of the shortage of funding available for trails, despite the ever-increasing demand for more trails and our desire to reduce dependence on motorized travel. Over the past years we have seen the demise of funding for the Wabash River Heritage Fund and the Hometown Indiana Fund, both significant trail builders. Now the Land & Water Conservation Fund is at risk, as it has been zeroed out in the President's budget. The following is a partial list of trail projects in Indiana which owe their existence at least in part to the LWCF:

Prairie-Duneland Trail
Fort Wayne Rivergreenway
Fall Creek Trail - Indianapolis
East Bank Trail - South Bend
Pigeon Creek Greenway - Evansville
Lasalle Big Bluestem Trail - Roseland
Knobstone Trail

A complete list of LWCF projects completed and pending in Indiana is available here.

Please look over this list, then call 1-888-FIX-LWCF and give testimony about your favorite LWCF projects. Examples: "I like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park because it provides habitat for endangered species and LWCF has been a big part of acquiring land for that purpose..." or "My Little League team relies on LWCF to enhance our local baseball fields, so our kids get a chance to participate in our nation's pastime..." or "Hiking the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail has been made easier through the work of LWCF, please restore funding for this program..."

Let's not let yet another tool for trail and park building fall by the wayside. Please call and help spread the word.

Prairie-Duneland Trail

First Mile of Historic Whitewater Canal Trail to Open - April 14, 2005
Submitted by Mick Wilz
Put on your walking shoes, pump up the bike tires & bring the kids! Celebrate the opening of the Yellow Bank section of the Whitewater Canal Trail on Saturday, April 30th with your friends and neighbors. Many volunteers have been diligently working during the past months to ready this part of the trail for the community’s enjoyment. Opening activities & ribbon cutting will begin at Noon on Saturday, April 30th near US 52 & Yellow Bank Road. Come meet the members, volunteers, and supporters who made this trail a reality. Special thanks will be given to the Visteon Corporation for their financial contributions & support. This public hike and bike trail will be a source of pride for our community. This section is nearly a mile long—a way to incorporate nature, history and wellness in Franklin County.

Typical section of trail shown with the canal

Boone County Trails Workshops Offered in April - April 14, 2005

The Friends of Boone County Trails (FBCT) in conjunction with the Hoosier Rails-to-Trails Council (HRTC) will be hosting a series of three public workshops in April. The goal of the workshops is to provide the community with information on trails, promote discussion about trails in the community, and to begin drafting a county-wide planning map for hiking, biking and horseback riding trails in Boone County. Residents are encouraged to attend and offer their input. Attendees will also have an opportunity to learn about and comment on the proposed Farm Heritage Trail, an agricultural-themed trail that would connect Lebanon and Lafayette.

Dates for the workshops are April 19th at Zionsville Town Hall, April 20th at Lebanon Middle School, and April 28th at the Thorntown Town Hall, 2nd Floor. All times are 7-8pm. For more information on these meetings, call 317-410-0755. For more information on FBCT, please check their website at http://ibccn.org/trails/ where you can also sign-up for their electronic mailing list.

FBCT is a grassroots community effort whose members meet regularly to discuss hiking, biking and horseback riding trails in Boone County. FBCT was established in the Fall of 2004 and is comprised primarily of Boone County residents who have an interest in trails as a way to promote Boone County tourism and advocate healthy community lifestyles. FBCT is comprised of members with a broad spectrum of interests, including outdoor enthusiasts, community leaders, railroad enthusiasts interesting in preserving abandoned rail corridors as trails, and local business leaders.

For more information on FBCT please contact Jason Boley.

Cross-State Effort Clears New Trail in Amo, Seeks Volunteers- April 7, 2005

Volunteers are busy this spring clearing the way for a 1.5-mile section of the Vandalia Trail in the Hendricks County town of Amo, which is anticipated to be the first section of the National Road Heritage Trail to open directly inspired by this cross-state concept and supported by the fledgling NRHT, Inc.

Scouting, mapping, planning, clearing and construction sessions are ongoing on the former Pennsylvania/Vandalia rail corridor on Saturday mornings this spring. However, the group is badly in need of volunteers to work on the trail and maintain it once opened. Also needed are people interested in supporting the trail across all 8 counties in all capacities, whether as advocates or workers. The success of the 150-mile cross-state effort currently depends on grassroots volunteers to be successful.

Some items needed for Saturday AM sessions in Amo:

* Clearing of brush and debris from main path
* Construction of gates, fencing, barriers and signs
* Mitigate current and future damage by ATV's
* Clear separated equestrian path
* Bush-hogging the corridor for the season (3-4 times)

Volunteers will meet in front of the Amo Interurban station weekend mornings during April. Contact Greg Midgley for exact times and more info.

The first 1.5 mile section of trail heading west out of Amo is expected to open on July 4th in conjunction with the dedication of Amo's restored interurban railroad station, with subsequent sections opening towards Coatesville and Fillmore to connect with the existing People Pathways trail to Greencastle.

Like many trails around the nation which share utility lines, the Amo-Coatesville section of the NRHT will be operated as an easement on property owned by the Amo-Coatesville Sewer Conservancy District. The utility folks and both towns have been 100% in support of the trail. The Indiana Trails Fund is providing its not-for-profit services to NRHT, Inc. to administer the easement.

The corridor has been found to be extremely well suited for an equestrian path along the 3 miles between Amo and Coatesville (dashed green line on map), including a stream crossing at Crittenden Creek.

Indiana Trails and Greenways Advocates Gather in Indy - March 7, 2005

The full report from this gathering is now available here, courtesy of Rory Robinson, National Park Service.

Rather than spend a rare, sunny, late February day enjoying the trail, more than 50 trail advocates from around the state met indoors at the Indianapolis Arts Center to discuss trail and greenway development in Indiana. Individuals from local governments and the Indiana Departments of Transportation and Natural Resources joined the private sector and citizen advocates for a half-day meeting sponsored by the Central Indiana Community Foundation. "Sponsoring an event like this helps to accomplish our mission," said Brian Payne, Foundation President. "We recognize that trails and greenways are an essential piece of economic development and quality of life in communities across Indiana." They came from all over , Fort Wayne, Hammond, Muncie, Richmond, Terra Haute, Otisco, Brookville and other Indiana communities -representing a broad cross-section of trail managers and users to share opportunities and concerns facing their trail and greenway projects and efforts around the state.

"The fact that all these folks gave up their Saturday to be together shows that the trails and greenways efforts and interest in Indiana are strong," said meeting facilitator Rory Robinson of the National Park Service Rivers and Trails program. "They know the positive impacts that these resources have at the local and state level and are committed to making it happen!"

Each participant introduced themselves, their project, or interest in trails and greenways, and identified their most important opportunity or concern. Some of the issues identified included how to engage citizens and local government support at the beginning of a project, best practices in trail design, funding, managing trails for multiple use, long-term operation of trails, and making the statewide connections. Over lunch, gathering participants broke up into small groups to further exchange ideas and discuss some actions and solutions to the issues identified.

Rory Robinson of the National Park Service speaks to participants (photo by Robert Matter)

Another opportunity on the minds of many is to work with the governor's office and new agency directors to increase their understanding and support of trails and greenways. "We need to help state officials and legislators understand that the development of trails and greenways is a high priority to many in communities throughout Indiana. Trails improve access and connectivity within communities and provide convenient and safe opportunities for physical fitness, transportation and recreation, while enhancing the resources, health, economics, and quality of life for residents," said Diana Virgil, President of the B & O Trail Association.

Near the end of the meeting, Mick Wilz, President of the Whitewater Canal Trail, Inc., expressed the sentiment of all present when he stated, "to have the opportunity to meet and share ideas with all these like-minded folks has made this an experience worth repeating, we must do this again." It wasn't all work and no play as most of the trail gathering participants finished the afternoon enjoying that rare February sun on the Monon Trail. As Indy Parks Greenways Director Ray Irvin led them on a tour of the trail, he and others were reminded that they are doing the right thing for their communities as they shared the trail with hundreds of other people.

Detailed notes from this gathering are now available here. In addition, there is a trial discussion board available here.

For more information contact Diana Virgil: 317-852-3838 dmvirgil@aol.com
Mick Wilz: 765-647-6457 mick@sur-seal.com

Participants wait for the Monon ride following the meeting (photo by Robert Matter)

Bluffton to Revive Historic Bridge, Interurban Line for New Trails - March 4, 2005

Two new trail projects are in the works for the city of Bluffton, the Wells County seat in northeast Indiana.

A new 2-mile foot trail will begin at the west end of the existing Bluffton River Greenway, cross the Wabash River northward over a relocated historic road bridge, and follow the north bank of the river toward Ouabache State Park, making a loop with the paved greenway on the south bank. The historic bridge will be relocated to cross the Wabash near Stogdill Road (which also has a parallel asphalt path) at a cost of approximately $500,000 from nearby Vera Cruz, where it was decommissioned as a road bridge over two decades ago. The iron structure is the last known example of a Double Whipple Truss bridge left in Indiana. Funding is pending from a number of sources including the Transportation Enhancements Program. See our Historic Bridges page for more examples of such structures re-used for trails.

Also under development is the recently-named Interurban Trail, which would follow a portion of the former Fort Wayne, Bluffton & Marion Traction Co. line along SR1 from downtown northward, covering about two miles. A new pedestrian bridge just west of the Main Street bridge, which would connect downtown to Kehoe Park, is planned as part of the trail. Bluffton's Interurban Trail would become one of a small handful of trails in Indiana and the nation built upon former electric interurban lines, which were in service between 1900 and 1940.

Fort Wayne Area Makes Progress on Trail Network - January 26, 2005

It was only three years ago that Fort Wayne lacked any comprehensive trail and greenway master plan, and was one of the largest cities without any plans for a rail-trail. Times change, and now Indiana's second largest city and the surrounding region have an extensive network planned of over 100 miles, including two proposed rail-trails on the north side. The Greenway Consortium, a not-for-profit public and private partnership, developed the greater Fort Wayne regional trail master plan in coordination with other establishing trail groups.

See a printable map (PDF) of the entire Fort Wayne regional trail network proposal here or visit the city's website.

The city's existing multi-use path is the 19-mile Rivergreenway, which runs along the banks of the St. Joseph, St. Marys and Maumee Rivers and stretches into unincorporated areas and the city of New Haven. Parts of the trail are in need of upgrades, which the city is now committed to completing.

Northwest Allen Trails, Inc. had just barely been incorporated last year when it received a $300,000 grant last fall from DNR and INDOT to purchase several miles of abandoned rail corridor in the rapidly developing northern suburbs. The former Penn/New York Central line between I-69 and the county line is the group's first priority and the target of the grant. The line, situated between State Road 3/Lima Road and Coldwater Road, would connect an elementary school, a YMCA, existing parkland and several neighborhoods. Also being examined is the former Grand Rapids and Indiana line (GRI) between I-69 and Hunterstown, just to the west of SR3 and also running north/south.

Aboite New Trails, Inc. was incorporated in 2002 as a grassroots effort to stimulate development of pedestrian and bike trails on the southwest side of Fort Wayne. The group raised seed funds, hired a consultant, held public meetings, and identified 52 miles of path to make their community safer for walkers and bikers. The network will ultimately connect to the Rivergreenway and other trail systems in the region.

As of January, Aboite New Trails' volunteers have overseen progress on 7 miles of path, including a 0.3 mile section which the group commissioned themselves through donated funds. Other sponsors of the developing paths include Aboite Twp. Parks, the City of Fort Wayne, Allen County, INDOT, Southwest Allen Schools and various developers.

The City of New Haven on Fort Wayne's east side has initiated a community-wide greenway project, scheduled to resume construction this spring, which will initially link the city to the eastern end of Fort Wayne's Rivergreenway along the Maumee River. Other linking trails are planned throughout the city.

Fort Wayne has hired a full-time greenway coordinator, Dawn Ritchie, who will work on expansion of the greenway and coordination with surrounding communities.

The city and Mayor Graham Richard have also instituted a remarkable new grant program of $2 million over the next four years to grow and improve the city's greenways, a substantial investment for the region.

Site of future Northwest Allen Trails rail-trail project

National Road Heritage Trail 2004 Summary - January 3, 2005

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. Read the complete summary on the NRHT site.

A master plan for the 150-mile trail NRHT project from Terre Haute to Richmond is in progress this year, led by renowned Indianapolis-based design firm Storrow Kinsella, and directed by a statewide steering group of 17 representatives from trail, bicycle and equestrian interests as well as community leaders across the state. Unlike the nearby cross-state Grand Illinois Trail, Indiana's initiative is not intended to include any shared-road sections -- the NRHT will remain entirely separated from motorized traffic, largely on rail-trails. While this criteria is likely to prolong the opening of a continuous trail, the ultimate result will be an experience worth waiting for. Keeping the big picture in mind is already helping to spur development of shorter local segments of the NRHT in the interim.

The first new section of trail inspired by the fledgling NRHT initiative is expected to be opened in western Hendricks County in July 2005, in conjunction with the grand opening of the restored Electric Interurban Station in Amo. The volunteer, not-for-profit NRHT, Inc. and the towns of Amo and Coatesville will begin development of a rough-surface multi-use trail along a short, pristine section of the former Pennsylvania railroad corridor. The well-preserved railbed through Amo, which includes two scenic trestle bridges, is readily adaptable for pedestrian and bicycle use. In addition, the generous width and interesting terrain of the corridor will allow for a separate equestrian path along its entire length, including a stream crossing in the middle.

Intact trestle over Crittenden Creek near Amo

Amo's Interurban Station with restoration in progress

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