1. United States
2. Ind.
3. Letter

I'm writing to express my deep concern that Indiana's 2025-2027 State Budget includes zero funding for trail development and ask you to support the inclusion of sustained funding for the Next Level Trails program in this budget. As drafted, this budget is a stark departure from the last one, which provided $30 million for the Next Level Trails program. Across administrations, from Gov. Daniels to Pence to Holcomb, investing in trail infrastructure has historically received strong bipartisan support. Hoosiers have invested in trails not only because they are wonderful public spaces to be active and decompress, but because small investments in trails can result in large returns across the state. In communities across Indiana, residents and municipal leaders are working to advance trail visions because trails serve as safe transportation and recreation corridors for walkers and bikers, improve public health outcomes, spur tourism, increase property values, and are integral to Indiana's $15.7 billion outdoor recreation economy. State funding is critical to move plans forward. Local communities leverage limited local funding with state dollars to make visionary investments in their futures. If changes aren't made, Indiana will drop from a national leader in support for trails to dead last. I urge you not to let this budget pass without fighting for this essential funding for local communities.