(STATEHOUSE) Nov. 13, 2007 - Fort Wayne's spectacular 20-mile Rivergreenway trail along the banks of the St. Marys, St. Joseph and the Maumee Rivers is expanding. An addition to the Fort Wayne Greenway system, the Pufferbelly Trail, is in the works thanks to a $967,166 award from the Transportation Enhancement Program. "The Pufferbelly Trail will be a great addition to Fort Wayne's urban greenways," said State Rep. Randy Borror (R-Fort Wayne). "This trail will provide citizens with a unique thoroughfare to jog, bike or enjoy a casual stroll, while still being in the heart of the city. Recreational facilities promote fitness and create healthier citizens, which is something we can all embrace." The multi-use trail will begin at the intersection of Fourth and Clinton Streets and extend north to Fernhill Avenue. There will also be a side trail, linking Franke Park, the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo and Franke Park Elementary School with the main trail. This will allow area residents easy access to local parks and schools through connecting trails, providing alternative transportation options such as biking or walking. The funding was provided through the Federal Highway Administration, which awards funds for development and construction projects to enhance states' existing transportation systems. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) distributes these funds through Indiana's Transportation Enhancement Program. This program encompasses more than traditional methods of transportation and has been extended to include transportation-related activities that strengthen the cultural, aesthetic and environmental aspects of the nation's inter-modal transportation system. The Transportation Enhancement Program is used to finance a wide range of non-traditional projects including the restoration of historic transportation facilities, bike and pedestrian facilities, landscaping and scenic beautification and mitigation of water pollution from highway runoff.
"I appreciate INDOT's efforts in bring trails to our area, and look forward to continuing my work on behalf of the City of Fort Wayne, New Haven and the Aboite Trails organizations," stated Rep. Borror.
For more information, contact Rep. Borror by phone at 1-800-382-9841, by e-mail at h84@iga.in.gov or by mail at 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204.
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