Governor Holcomb and Indiana Department of Natural Resources director Cameron Clark recently announced details of the second round of the Next Level Trails grant program, including three workshops in August for interested applicants. 

Next Level Trails, which will dedicate $90 million of State funds over the life of the program, is the largest infusion of trail funding in state history. The grant program is divided into two components: a $70 million fund for regional projects and a $20 million fund for local projects. Each requires a minimum 20 percent project match, which can include monetary contributions, land value, and in-kind donations of materials and labor. Projects funded through this program must be open to the public. 

The second round will award up to $25 million to regional projects and up to $5 million to local projects. The application period for the second round begins Oct. 1 and ends Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. CT. Eligible applicants include units of government or 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. Applicants are limited to one application per round. First-round applicants that did not receive funding in that round may re-apply in the second round. A third round is anticipated in 2020.

Those interested in applying for the second round are encouraged to attend an application workshop August 20th at Indiana Dunes State Park in Chesterton.

All workshops will begin at 3 p.m. local time.   Learn more at IN.gov/gov/nextlevelconnections.htm.