Workshops Scheduled for Round Two of Next Level Trails Grant Program

Posted on July 29, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

Anyone interested in applying for funds in the second round of the Next Level Trails grant program is encouraged to attend one of the application workshops being held during the month of August.

Governor Eric Holcomb and Indiana Department of Natural Resources Director Cameron Clark recently shared details about the second round of funding, including the dates and times for three workshops.

On Friday, August 9th a workshop will be held at Fort Harrison State Park Inn in Indianapolis. This opportunity will also be offered via webinar.

A workshop will also be held on Tuesday, August 13th at Spring Mill State Park in Mitchell. The final workshop will be held on Tuesday, August 20th at Indiana Dunes State Park in Chesterton.

All of the workshops will begin at 3 p.m. local time. Click the following link for registration information.

Next Level Trails, which will dedicate $90 million of State funds over the life of the program, is the largest infusion of trail funding in state history.

In the first round, seventeen communities and non-profit organizations were awarded a total of $24.9 million for 42 miles of trail development.

Locally, the Prairie Trails Club was awarded a grant totaling $390,750 to extend the Erie Trail by a little over 2 miles.

According to information provided about this round of funding, $25 million will be awarded to regional projects and up to $5 million will go into local projects.

Each component requires a 20 percent project match. While the match can include monetary contributions, it can also include land value and in-kind donations of materials and labor. Projects funded through the program must be open to the public.

The application period for the second round begins October 1st and ends November 1st at 5 p.m. ET. First-round applicants that did not receive funding may re-apply this round. A third-round is anticipated in 2020.

Applicants should review the updated Next Level Trails Application Handbook, as some minor changes have been added for round two.