Indy outlines plans for $25M trails investment

Mayor Joe Hogsett outlined the plan during an event at Brookside Park in Indy. (photo courtesy of Indy DPW)

INDIANAPOLIS (Inside INdiana Business) — The Indianapolis Department of Public Works has detailed plans for the $25 million third phase of a program to improve and build upon the city’s trails and greenway system. Nine projects will receive funding, which still requires approval from the Indianapolis City-County Council.

The majority of the projects selected for this phase of the Circle City Forward initiative will only receive funding for design costs. However, Indy DPW says it plans to leverage the funding to make the projects more attractive to potential state and federal grant dollars.

“Indy DPW recognizes the impact trails and greenways have on residents’ lives here in Indianapolis, which is why we’ve tirelessly worked to prioritize these types of projects every year,” Indy DPW Director Dan Parker said in a news release. “Mayor Hogsett’s Circle City Forward Initiative will boost the work that’s already being done and allow us to begin bringing trails to areas of the City that are lacking this type of investment.”

The list of trails receiving funding for design and/or construction include:

  • Pleasant Run Trail Extension – Design and construction
  • Pleasant Run Trail Rehab – Design and construction
  • Pogue’s Run Trail – Design and construction
  • Pogue’s Run Trail/Monon Trail Connector – Design
  • Nickel Plate Trail – Design
  • Eagle Creek Trail Phase 2 – Design
  • West 30th Street – Design
  • Grassy Creek Trail – Design
  • Interurban Trail – Design
  • 21st Street Trail via road diet – Design

A fiscal ordinance to fund the program was unanimously passed by the council’s Public Works Committee last month. The full council will consider the ordinance during its meeting next Monday.