ROUND TWO ANNOUNCEMENT: Round Two of the Next Level Trails funding program will award up to $25 million in regionally significant projects and $5 million in locally significant projects. The application began October 1, 2019 and closes at 5 p.m. ET on November 1, 2019
Next Level Trails will invest $90 million – the largest infusion of State trail funding in Indiana history – toward the development of regionally and locally significant trails throughout Indiana. As part of Governor Holcomb’s broader Next Level Connections infrastructure program, Next Level Trails (NLT) is designed to incentivize collaborative efforts to accelerate trail connections. The DNR Division of Outdoor Recreation will administer the program in conjunction with the Indiana Department of Transportation.
Eligible Applicants: Local units of government or 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. One application per applicant per round. If awarded, the applicant will enter into a State Grant Agreement and must take responsibility for all aspects of the project through completion. Applicants acting in a fiscal pass-through capacity only are not eligible. Additionally, the applicant must fulfill at least one of the following roles:
- Own (or acquire) the trail corridor
- Manage and maintain the trail once developed
- Oversee and manage trail construction through completion
Eligible Projects: All non-motorized trail types are eligible, but consideration will be given to multi-use trail types. All surface types are eligible and should meet contextual needs. All trails must be open to the public.
Eligible Costs: Trail construction (including upgrading surface type), land acquisition, design and engineering, and basic trail amenities. All eligible costs must occur within contract period.
Match Requirement: All grant requests require a minimum 20% match. Consideration will be given to projects exceeding 20%.