Wabash, Indiana: Wabash River Trail, Inc. (WRT), has been conditionally approved for funding from Northeast Indiana Regional Development Authority (NIRDA) in the amount of $941,031.28 following the NIRDA’s April 11, 2017 Regular Meeting. These funds will be used for the construction of the trail connecting Lagro to Wabash and for trail amenities in Lagro, including a new town plaza, restroom facility and pavilion. Out of the 7 projects awarded funding at the April meeting, 4 included trails.
The WRT believes trails are an essential piece in providing sustainable, connected and livable communities and will help encourage economic growth for Wabash County. Investing in projects aimed at improving quality of life will help attract and retain employers and employees within the local communities and surrounding region.
Quote from WRT Attorney, Mark Frantz: “The conditions included in the Regional Development Authority Board’s approval of funding for the trail from Wabash to Lagro are fair and reasonable, especially given the Board’s desire to ensure these funds are utilized quickly. The WRT had already intended to accomplish these conditions voluntarily, and will now report its progress to the Board. The WRT will continue to work with affected property owners and State, local, and other entities to move forward to secure the path the trail will take. The WRT has already been planning to hold a public meeting in the near future to provide the public with more information, however the time and place are still to be determined.”
The WRT would like to thank everyone that has supported the trail so far, and specifically the Town Superintendent of Lagro, Scott Siders, and the Clerk Treasurer, Kristie Bone, for their outspoken support and assistance during the initial phase of this project. The WRT would also like to thank the Lagro Town Board, Richard Monce, Jim Curless, and Jeff Shelton, as well as the citizens of Lagro.
We would also like to thank the many landowners, Mayor Scott Long, and Economic Development Director, Keith Gillenwater, for their unwavering support and to the numerous supporters across the state. These supporters have encouraged us through their letters, emails, and phone calls, and have contributed time, equipment, and funds to make this project a reality. The Wabash River Defenders also deserve special recognition for their outstanding efforts in our initial cleanup.
Quote from Scott Siders: “I am grateful to the Wabash River Trail committee and Northeast Indiana Regional Cities for their investment in Lagro in helping to make our community a true destination town and even a better place to call home. We are excited about the changes that have already transpired and the energy that the Wabash River Trail has brought to our community. We know this will be a catalyst for more exciting changes and our future has never looked brighter.”
Quote from Mayor Scott Long: “Trails in and around a community add to the quality of place, which is vital in attracting residents and businesses to a community. I applaud the Wabash River Trail group for their efforts in adding to our quality of place in Wabash and Wabash County.”
For more information about the progress of the WRT please visit WRT’s website at www.wabashrivertrail.org.