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Grant awarded to Burdette Park-USI Trail

Within weeks of the ribbon-cutting for Phase I of the Burdette Park-USI Trail (a bicycle, pedestrian, and nature trail between USI and Burdette Park), Vanderburgh County Commissioners announced the project was awarded a $1 million grant from the Indiana Department of Transportation.

The grant is awarded from funds that are set aside each year by the Federal Highway Administration and channeled through the Indiana Department of Transportation for transportation enhancement projects.

“This money should complete Phase II of this project which will connect USI with the sports complex along Broadway Avenue,” said Bill Nix, commission president.

Phase I is a half-mile in length from Discovery Lodge to Nurrenbern Road. When complete, the trail is projected to be a total of 2.5 miles from Discovery Lodge to USI, allowing students, faculty, and staff access to Burdette Park and 32 miles of bike routes the commissioners dedicated last year in Union Township.

Phase II of the Burdette Park-USI Trail will be completed with a $1 million grant from the Indiana Department of Transportation.

“This is exciting news for our community,” said Jeff Korb, commission vice president. “What began as a project that would greatly benefit the students and residents of the west side of Evansville is now being expanded to benefit a far great population of our community. We have already received positive feedback from people who have enjoyed this beautiful pedestrian, bicycle, and nature trail.”

Southern Indiana Higher Education Inc. is aiding the project by contributing easements to the county across land it owns. The county owns the remainder of the land.

“These monies represent an outside recognition of the initiative to connect one of Indiana's top universities with one of Indiana's top parks,” said Commissioner Troy Tornatta.

8600 University Boulevard - Evansville, IN 47712-3596 - 812/464-8600