The Indianapolis Cultural Trail has been awarded $20.5 million in federal stimulus funds, which will be used for construction on the remaining 4.5 miles of the project, officials announced Wednesday.
The federal contribution
brings the total amount of money raised to fund the trail to $62.5 million, exceeding the original fund-raising goal of $55
million. The additional $7.5 million will enable the city to upgrade infrastructure during construction of the trail, which
should be completed by the end of 2011.
“This is a tremendous investment in Indianapolis,”
Mayor Greg Ballard said in a prepared statement. “The Cultural Trail is an undeniable
asset to our community.”
Ballard was scheduled to join U.S. Rep. Andre
Carson and Central Indiana Community Foundation President Brian Payne for a mid-day news conference
at Davlan Park to announce the new funding.
The award is part of the Transportation Investment
Generating Economic Recovery, or TIGER, program funded through
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Funds will be used to complete the part of the
trail that connects the southeast corridor (Fountain Square), the central corridor (Washington Street)
and the west corridor (Blackford Street).
“Today’s announcement
is a serious jolt to our local economy and the future of tourism in Indianapolis,”
Rep. Carson [D-Indianapolis] said in prepared statement. “The Cultural Trail is a prime example
of how the Recovery Act is both working to create jobs immediately and lay the ground for future economic growth.”
Supporters of the trail say the trail should generate a total economic benefit of more than $800 million and create
more than 10,000 jobs through construction, private-sector investment along the trail and an expansion
of tourism.
The grant requires the $20.5 million be spent by the end of 2011, which should enable
the trail to be finished before Indianapolis hosts Super Bowl XLVI.
The largest private gift
to the trail is a $15 million donation received in October 2006 from Gene and Marilyn Glick.
Payne said a new not-for-profit, Indianapolis Cultural Trail Inc., has been formed to manage,
market and maintain the trail once it is completed. The organization also will continue to raise funds
for the trail’s ongoing maintenance.
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From the very beginning, the trail received a large federal transportation grant, and this money along with the Glicks' donation is what allowed construction to commence.
So, you get no apology. Also, before "opening your mouth" again, you should make sure you have your facts straight.
The trail will be super-neat when it is done, but the end (super-neat) doesn't justify the means (bait-and-switch).
It's a new road, sidewalk, sewers, landscaping, lighting, signs, etc. This is called public infrastructure. There is no charge to walk on a public street/sidewalk, so how is it going to "pay for itself?" All public streets are built with taxpayer money. Now, if the question is will it lead to new private investment along the trail, then the answer is yes. It already has as there have been various businesses and developers who have announced projects along the trail way and specifically mentioned that the trail was an important factor in their decision to locate or plan a project there.
I can't list the full link since IBJ doesn't allow links to be posted.
This shows you the graphic with the general outline of the Trail. You can then click on the PDF files to download the actual street detail.
Thanks,
I bet these same complainers are the ones who supported the construction of Lucas Oil Stadium, which can't even afford its heating bills.
Great work Trail organizers!
The Trial is a major infrastructure project, not a mere sidewalk, and its costs are very reasonable for the scope of the work being done and well in-line with the costs of similar projects.
Also, the Trail when finished will be a loop and will connect several very popular and locally important neighborhoods and historical, cultural, and artistic landmarks. So, I am sure what support you have for your little laundry list of criticisms.
The Trial is an excellent and innovative project. Hopefully, the project will set a standard for more quality capital projects to come for Indianapolis.
Problems with trail:
-No clear terminus for trail users - does not lead directly to large public places where a variety of people (bikers, runners, walkers, families, picnickers, etc.) can congregate, relax, and enjoy the city. The trail may make the city more of a drive-by experience (vs. destination experience) for the non-motor bound.
-It is designed like non-linear spokes; it's not designed in a circular fashion where one can start and end their trip without retracing their path (i.e., boring and repetitive).
-Calling it a "cultural" trail is a bit disingenuous. I'd say only place this is somewhat true is the Indiana Ave area where there is (or used to be) an enormous amount of black history.
Normal, IL got $22 million of TIGER stimulus funds as part of this grant for a local rail and bus transportation facility. I don't begrudge that community for getting a federal grant for their local bus depot, and I am glad they can move forward with an important local project for their community. I expect that my federal taxes will go toward benefiting communities all over the country.
The finished Trial in Indianapolis will not only making it easier to get around the central city, but it will replace antiquated vital infrastructure like sewers, etc. AND it will provide lots of jobs for construction workers, engineers, etc. at a time when many people need work.
There many efforts taking place in tandem with the trail effort. Five years of concentrated work to build the six Cultural Districts linked by the trail. Decades of investment made by public and private organizations and individuals in these areas that gave a reason for the trail to exist. The trail will link six unique destinations in the city that serve as neighborhood resources, amenities for those who live in Greater Indianapolis, and a draw for visitors to our city.
Investors already see the value the trail will bring. Business owners already see the potential. Neighborhood residents are excited about the project.
In 2008 and 2009, 29 new businesses opened in the Southeast neighborhood, the majority in Fountain Square, creating an estimated 112 new jobs. Granted, some of those businesses have closed and the jobs have disappeared, but the majority remain. Roughly $450,000 has been invested in these same two years through public and private programs and through private investment. Pretty remarkable considering the economic climate.
That's certainly nowhere near the 10,000/$800M anticipated impact, but it does serve to illustrate that the Cultural Trail will, and already is, making a difference.
I'm not sure how they estimate 10k jobs, but it certainly will produce jobs.
How will ^this^ be accomplished by building some pavement? I'm all for the trail, but I really don't see it creating one job.
According to the economic impact study, the Cultural Trail will create 10,000+ jobs and over $800 million in economic impact. Not bad for a $20.5 million federal investment.
Please read the articles Mr. Gutwein. You may learn something.