Trail
Development
Crafting a vision for the Monon South Trail is an important initiative for our southern Indiana Uplands Region. The project presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a regional destination that connects and celebrates this region in such a unique manner.
About the Project
This project seeks to articulate the vision to create a multi-modal greenway connecting our southern Indiana communities along the Monon Rail Corridor. The visioning study offers the opportunity to define some potential direction for the future of the corridor that enhances the quality of life for the region and elevates the community conversation regarding the future of the corridor.
No local funds were used to acquire the corridor. The purchase and construction activities were initiated through a grant as part of the Next Level Trails grant fund, which is administered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). These grant funds are “state” dollars not “federal” dollars, which have a different set of regulations to comply with, many of which are beneficial to this project. Typically, funds from the Next Level Trails program allow for more efficient and expedited trail construction. The program does require an 80/20 matching grant.