Regional Cities Funding Helps Lengthen Trail

By Dan McGowan | Inside INdiana Business

Fort Wayne -

A more than $9.5 million project in northeast Indiana has received funding through the Regional Cities Initiative. The Indiana Economic Development Corp. has approved $1.8 million toward a new portion of the Fort Wayne Area Trail Network.

The funds will support construction of four segments of the Poka-Bache Connector -- Indiana Visionary Trail through the Allen County city. When the six miles of connections are complete, it will help drive the total length of the network to 132 miles. City Greenways and Trails Manager Dawn Ritchie says "we are thrilled to receive funding from the Regional Cities Initiative that will allow us to expand the Poka-Bache State Visionary Trail and our Fort Wayne Area Trail Network. These trails will bring connectivity to already existing trails and as we continue with leaders in Allen, Dekalb, Steuben and Wells counties to bring further connections to fruition."

The segments are expected to bring nearly 23,000 residents within a half-mile of the trail. The new portions will be:

Bluffton Road: Lower Huntington Road to West Foster Park/Rivergreenway Connector;

Pufferbelly Trail: Wallen Road to Washington Center;

Pufferbelly Trail: State Boulevard to Fernhill Avenue and Franke Parke/Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo; and

Pufferbelly Trail: State Boulevard to Fourth Street

Governor Eric Holcomb says "this trail expansion in northeast Indiana will support the region as it continues to attract top talent, increase connectivity, and encourage physical activity."

You can connect to more about the approval by clicking here.