Tuesday, January 22, 2019

NJ Town Council to Compose Letter of Support for Erie Trail Expansion Project

Posted on January 22, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

The Prairie Trails Club is looking to apply for a grant to that would help extend the Erie Trail in North Judson.

Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Larry Wickert informed North Judson Town Council members about the Club’s plans Monday night.

Wickert explained, “They want to extend that trail 2 miles from 35, on East so it would go from North Judson all the way to just about the Pulaski County line, over towards Monterey over there.”

SCEDF Executive Director Wickert told members that the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum owns the associated property and stated that representatives have provided their approval to move ahead with the project.

He added that county officials agreed to supply a jurisdictional approval letter to assist with the efforts.

Wickert asked the town council members if they’d be interested in providing a letter of support, as it would be an advantageous thing for the Prairie Trails Club to have during the grant application process.

He noted that the grant application will be due by Friday, February 15th so he’ll need the letter prior to that date.  Council members agreed unanimously to provide the letter of support.

While this expansion does tie into the county’s ongoing Stellar conversations, trail projects are also a big focus at the state level right now. Wickert mentioned that Governor Eric Holcomb has about $90 million set aside for such projects after he realized more connectivity would be beneficial to the state.

 “We’ve got a lot of trails around Indiana, but their not connected.” Wickert continued, “He really thinks it would benefit Indiana, not just for our own people but also to an attractive thing for companies who want to move here from other places.”

If there are any other local entities that are interested in submitting a letter of support for the Erie Trail expansion project, contact the SCEDF at 574-772-5627

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