Legislative Trails Caucus Formed
(stock image courtesy: Pixabay/Micky Estes)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA bipartisan group of state legislators has launched the Indiana Legislative Trails Caucus. Created in conjunction with the Indiana Greenways Foundation and Rails-To-Trails Conservatory, the caucus aims to “develop legislative priorities to help grow, connect and maintain Indiana’s network of trails and greenways.”
Lawmakers say the caucus will explore the impact that connected trail systems can deliver to the state.
“Trails caucuses, like what’s forming in Indiana, have proven essential tools in generating legislative enthusiasm and momentum for trail networks in other Midwestern states, including Ohio, Wisconsin and Michigan,” said Brian Housh, Midwest policy manager for RTC.
The formation of the caucus comes following the 2019 announcement of the Great American Rail-Trail initiative, a nationwide effort to connect 3,700 miles of trails and greenways and walking paths from coast to coast.
The proposed trail would traverse 12 states, including Indiana.
“As we move into the next chapter for trails and active transportation in Indiana, we need to prioritize developing a comprehensive trails maintenance program and sustained funding to connect trails across the state,” said Mitch Barloga, president of the Greenways Foundation of Indiana
In December 2018, Governor Eric Holcomb announced the creation of the Next Level Trails program, an initiative to invest $90 million toward the development of regionally and locally significant trails throughout Indiana.