Published: February 05, 2009 01:47 pm      

Public forum Feb. 5

Thanks for help on the pathway

I wish to say thank you to all the friends of the Panhandle Pathway for a great year in 2008. Much has happened during the last 12 months. Much activity is expected in 2009. Here’s an update on where we are.

Two grants were approved in 2008 for the 21 miles of the Panhandle Pathway. Our first approved grant is a Recreational Trail Program grant from the federal government. This covers the portion of trail between Winamac and Star City. This is for $150,000 with a 20 percent match. We hope to get construction of this portion of the trail sometime this year.

The second grant was a Trails Initiative Grant from the governor, Mitch Daniels, and the State of Indiana. This grant was part of the governor’s INShape Indiana program. This grant totaled $900,000 and is to be used for the completion of the 17 miles between Star City and Kenneth. Kenneth is located one half mile west of France Park on U.S. 24.

As with most rails to trails projects donations are key to trail construction and maintenance. Our trail is no exception. Shortly after we received the go ahead on both grants, we received a sizable donation of material from Vulcan Materials in Francesville. This limestone quarry donated 800 tons of crushed stone to the Panhandle for use on the Star City-Winamac portion. We are grateful to this corporation for their generosity and support.

Much is to be done in 2009. We will keep you informed as we make progress. We will call on you for support, too. Stay in touch and “see you along the trail.”

John Bawcum, president


Friends of the Panhandle Pathway