Author: Radius Indiana

Monon South Trail Selects Contractor

Posted on by Radius Indiana

BEDFORD, Ind. (June 20, 2024) —  At its June meeting, the Radius Indiana Board of Directors unanimously approved MAC Construction’s bid for the first phase of development for the Monon South Trail project. Construction for Phase I of the Trail is set to begin this summer, commencing with a groundbreaking in Borden July 16. 

MAC Construction’s bid of $15.3 million is nearly $4 million under the engineer’s estimate for construction of the initial phase of the project, which will complete 20 miles of the nearly 60-mile trail by the Summer of 2025. During this phase, paved and aggregate sections of the trail will be completed through the downtown areas of Borden, New Pekin, Salem, Saltillo, Campbellsburg, Orleans, and Mitchell. 

MAC Construction is a family-owned civil engineering and construction company based in New Albany, Indiana. Working in multiple sectors of civil construction, MAC Construction’s projects include the New Albany Riverfront Amphitheater stage, constructing the City of Clarksville Little League Park, and beautifying Main Street in Louisville, Kentucky. Throughout their projects, MAC Construction has focused on improving the Midwest, and the company has won multiple awards for excellence in safety and construction from the Kentucky Association of Highway Contractors (KAHC) as well as Associate Builders and Contractors Inc. (ABC) in 2020. 

”We are very pleased that MAC Construction will bring their expertise and experience in recreational project construction to bear on the Monon South Trail. We look upon this project as one that will literally change the recreational and economic landscape of southern Indiana,” remarked Jeff Quyle. “The people who live in these four counties are going to have the opportunity to watch this eyesore rail corridor become an eyecatching asset over the next few months.” 

Radius Indiana, the eight-county economic development organization, leads the Monon South effort and administers the funding for the development of the trail from the state’s NextLevel Trails fund, READI, and Radius. Once completed, the trail will increase connectivity and quality of life among communities in southern Indiana and create new opportunities in tourism and economic development for the businesses and towns. 

To learn more information about the trail, Community Update Meetings will be held July 17 and 24. For additional updates, visit mononsouth.com and follow us on Facebook.

Installation modernization remains top priority for Team Crane

Posted on by Radius Indiana

By: Matt Craig, Director of Crane Community Support for Radius Indiana

 

Naval Support Activity (NSA), Crane was originally established in 1941 under the Bureau of Ordnance as the Naval Ammunition Depot for the production, testing and storage of military weaponry. More than 80 years later, the installation is now poised as a national leader in advanced technology development and testing from microelectronics, hypersonics, and semiconductors to pyrotechnics. With the evolution of the work being done inside the gates, it has become more apparent than ever that the buildings and infrastructure supporting these initiatives and its workforce need a significant upgrade after nearly a century of industry-leading growth and innovation.

Over the next several years, NSA Crane anticipates more than $500M of investment into facilities across the base, specifically for both Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Crane Division and Crane Army Ammunition Activity (CAAA). In fiscal year 2024 alone, nearly $30M in investment was announced for the creation and improvement of facilities, both for innovation and sustainment.

In March, NSWC Crane held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new strategic and hypersonics research, development, test and evaluation facility. This new capability supports advanced concept development and intends to provide a hub and research testbed to support analysis of glide body avionics hardware and software from any source. The benefit of a joint use facility such as this is the ability to leverage common computational data centers for more than one project. This will be the first of its kind on the installation and a major advancement for collaboration and shared resources between departments.

NSWC Crane also announced the construction of a new Strategic Systems Engineering Facility in April, that will expand existing capabilities by providing additional classified workspace for Strategic Systems hardware support. Additional future projects for NSWC Crane include a Composites Engineering Innovation Facility as well as Trusted Microelectronics Assurance Center, Unmanned Fusion Warfare Lab and Virtual Electronic Warfare and Mission Engineering Center.

The largest investment news comes from CAAA with plans for a state-of-the-art pyrotechnics facility. Expected to cost nearly $100M when complete in 2031, the facility is part of the Army’s modernization plan and provides more than 50,000 square feet for pyrotechnic production operations. For fiscal year 2024, CAAA will also invest nearly $10M in base rail and magazine repairs as well as break room renovations to align with its current focus on culture and inclusion.

The new pyrotechnics facility will be outfitted with new, modern-process equipment and additional manufacturing features to include remote operations capabilities, climate-controlled storage and magazines, curing huts and storage for finished items, as well as loading and packing capabilities Plans for improvements also include, fire protection and alarm systems, modernized information systems and cyber security measures and a closed-circuit television system.

Crane has served our country’s warfighters for the better part of a century, not only by meeting the current needs of our military, but by anticipating the challenges on the horizon. The forward-thinking leaders at Crane prioritize preparedness and are being deliberate and proactive in building the facilities and capabilities that will ensure our nation’s security. The installation’s strategic evolution and smart investments are why it, and its nearly 6,000-person workforce, continue to be one of the most valued and trusted resources for this generation and generations to come.

Southern Indiana communities respond to NSA Crane

Posted on by Radius Indiana

The annual State of the Community Address to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Crane takes place each February as a direct response to the installation’s yearly report to the White River Military Coordination Alliance. Alliance Chair Brianne Jerrels along with representatives from Daviess, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, and Sullivan counties and towns, delivered the briefing to NSA Crane Commanding Officer Luis G. Martinez and additional Team Crane delegates.

Input for the presentation is provided by members from the five counties and nine incorporated towns that formed the Alliance in 2017. The briefing creates a forum for the communities to share accomplishments and initiatives in mutual interest areas between them and NSA Crane such as housing availability and development, infrastructure improvement and resiliency, and quality of life initiatives.

This year, the address focused on how communities surrounding the installation and NSA Crane can increase collaboration to make an impact in the following areas:

  • Advocacy for infrastructure resources: One of the most popular topics, specifically surrounding the WestGate Tech Park and the base, was infrastructure improvement and sustainability. The communities recognized and understood the Team Crane message that in order to grow and develop at the pace desired, surrounding infrastructure – including water, sewer, and other utilities – is a vital piece of the puzzle. Six community leaders identified innovative local initiatives to address these strategic issues via state and federal grants and partnerships with utility providers. Additionally, the community updated their efforts to focus on identifying the resiliency of community supplied utilities that Team Crane depends on.
  • Community Initiatives: The Alliance prepared information that covered eight topics with principal focus on workforce and housing. Communities highlighted the significant strides that have been made region wide in workforce development affiliated with STEM and the untapped workforce recruiting and attraction incentives that are available to Team Crane. While housing is a lingering regional challenge, the communities highlighted the improvements that READI 1.0 has commenced, and a new initiative focused on rural housing.
  • Opportunities to build long-term relationships: The efforts of the Alliance have laid a foundation for strong partnerships with NSA Crane. This relationship is an element needed to move the needle on local initiatives. Several communities expressed their interest in furthering the relationship by establishing new public to public partnerships that might provide services directly to NSA Crane, coupled with growing and refining their partnership opportunities for emergency services and training.
  • Engagement in community events: As always communities encouraged Team Crane to participate in local events, celebrations, festivals and programs.
    It was also noted communities would like to explore opportunities to venture behind the gate for focused base tours and interactions with Team Crane leadership, including field trips to increase awareness with the K-12 population.

The address provides local communities a unique opportunity to share accomplishments, challenges and needs with their neighbors at NSA Crane. This year, perhaps more than ever before, community leaders and stakeholders feel the momentum and excitement surrounding collaboration both within the gates and throughout the region. The forum allows for open discussion surrounding these areas of mutual benefit, partnership, and development of the southern Indiana defense ecosystem.

As one of the largest employers in Southern Indiana, Crane plays an important role in the economies of our communities. Continued collaboration through these annual reports is key to building a strong relationship between community leaders and the public with those working inside the gates at Crane to make the most of opportunities that benefit our region.

 

 

DISCOVER SOUTHERN INDIANA ANNOUNCES THE EXPANSION OF THE REGIONAL TOURISM BRAND

Posted on by Radius Indiana

BEDFORD (May 22, 2024) – Discover Southern Indiana is significantly expanding its regional tourism brand for the first time to include Owen County and Perry County.

Discover Southern Indiana is a region-wide tourism brand under the umbrella of Radius Indiana providing an identity to the eight rural counties making up the Radius Indiana region in south-central Indiana (Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Orange, and Washington).  Within the eight-county region, visitors can find one-of-a-kind resort experiences, Indiana State Parks, Hoosier National Forest, unique cultural events, culinary delights, a multitude of natural resources including karst, vast caving systems, rivers, and lakes, up-close animal encounters, indoor water parks, prestigious golf courses, and so much more.  Radius established the regional marketing brand in 2018 in recognition of the importance of tourism to the regional economy, where hospitality and tourism provides nearly 2,400 jobs. The addition of Perry and Owen Counties will bring the expanded region’s total visitor spending to $435 million annually, as of 2022.

Discover Southern Indiana rebranded and launched a new website and marketing campaign in Spring 2023 which included increased visibility and engagement on social media platforms, partnerships with county Destination Marketing Organizations and Visit Indiana, and an overall increased awareness of the assets and attractions that make Southern Indiana a unique tourism destination.  Discover Southern Indiana acts as a catalyst to drive regional tourism partnership and cooperation between the counties to strengthen and leverage each county’s marketing efforts by providing support, resources, and opportunities to broaden and expand messaging.

“With the success and momentum Discover Southern Indiana has experienced through the rebranding process it made sense to consider expanding the tourism region to include neighboring counties that fit with the rural profile and abundance of natural resources already included in the region”, said Kristal Painter, Discover Southern Indiana COO.  Owen County to the northwest of the region and Perry County to the southeast of the region have signed on to become members of Discover Southern Indiana officially expanding the tourism region to now include 10 counties in southcentral Indiana.  “The assets and attractions that each county brings to the table will help elevate the regional profile making the expanded Discover Southern Indiana region an enticing destination where you could easily spend several days exploring the abundance of offerings”, said Painter.

Owen County is home to Indiana’s first state park, McCormick’s Creek, and the Cataract Falls State Recreation Area which features the largest waterfall in the state. Over 800,000 visitors each year discover Indiana’s abundant natural resources that show off the ravines, steep cliffs, and hemlock forests that provide adventure in every season.  The outdoor recreation, unique shopping, dining experiences, and events will add to the Discover Southern Indiana portfolio that current and prospective visitors are seeking out.  “Owen County‘s partnership with Discover Southern Indiana will not only take Owen County’s quality of attraction to the next level, but will put it on the map like never before,” said Marce King, CEO of the Owen County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corp

Perry County is nestled between the rolling hills of Hoosier National Forest and the banks of the mighty Ohio River, offering visitors nearly 60,000-acres of forest and direct access to the Ohio River Scenic Byway.  Wineries, breweries, pubs, and numerous dining options add to the offerings for romantic getaways in a cabin tucked away in the forest, or a family friendly adventure exploring the outdoors by boat, foot, or horse.  “Perry County joining Discover Southern Indiana is a monumental step forward in showcasing our vibrant community, rich heritage, and stunning natural beauty. This partnership will amplify our local attractions and offer an inviting gateway for tourists to experience the unique charm and warmth that Perry County has to offer,” said Casey Stutsman, Executive Director of the Perry County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

 

For more information about things to do in the Discover Southern Indiana region, click here.

Follow Discover Southern Indiana on social media at @DiscoverSouthernIndiana on Facebook and Instagram.

Monon South Trail Trailhead Public Art Request for Proposals

Posted on by Radius Indiana

Radius Indiana is seeking a fabricator to produce six limestone sculptures that can be installed at newly constructed trailheads along the Monon South Trail, which will begin construction during the Summer of 2024.

The limestone sculptures should be ready for delivery and installation by September 30, 2025. Each sculpture should have a theme approved by Radius Indiana and should generally be reflective of some image or element that will be identifiable with the community in which the sculpture will be installed.

The sculptures should be based on one-quarter scale three dimensional models that will be approved by Radius prior to fabrication of the sculptures.

The fabricator should carve/fabricate and arrange the delivery and installation of the sculptures to the six trailhead sites in Mitchell, Orleans, Campbellsburg, Salem, New Pekin, and Borden.

Proposals shall be evaluated based on the following factors:

25%        Use of Indiana Limestone

25%        Presence of the sculptor’s location within the Radius region

(Radius includes Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Orange, and Washington Counties)

25%        Proposed Cost

25%        Suitability of sculpture designs

 

Proposals are requested to be submitted by May 10, 2024. Please submit proposals and/or questions to Jeff Quyle, j.quyle@radiusindiana.com

 

Radius Indiana Announces Advertisement for Bids on Monon South Trail Phase 1

Posted on by Radius Indiana

General Notice

Radius Indiana (Owner) is requesting Bids for the construction of the following Project: Monon South
Trail Phase 1A. Sealed bids for the construction of the Project will be received at the Salem City Hall
located at 201 E. Market St., Salem, IN, 47167, until May 24, 2024, at 10:00 AM (Eastern Time). At that
time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read. All bids must be enclosed in a sealed
envelope bearing the title Monon South Trail Phase 1A, the name of the bidder, and the notation
“BID ENCLOSED”. Bids received after 10:00 AM (Eastern Time) on May 24, 2024 will be returned
unopened.

Phase 1A of the Monon South Trail Project includes several multi-use rails-to-trails segments throughout
four counties in Southern Indiana totaling 20.4 miles. The communities included in Phase 1A include
Borden, New Pekin, Salem, Saltillo, Campbellsburg, Orleans, and Mitchell. The multi-use path will be
constructed on existing railroad ballast within the railbanked right-of-way owned by Radius Indiana. The
trail will be a mix of asphalt, concrete, and compacted aggregate surfaces. The work includes linear
grading, signage, pavement markings, railings, and other trail amenities. Existing bridge structures will
be rehabilitated with new deck surfaces. Phase 1A is subdivided into 3 contract sections, and bidders
may submit a Bid on any individual section or any combination of sections, as set forth in the Bid Form.
Phase 1B will be a separate project to construct trailheads at various locations along the trail and is not
included in this contract.

Information and Bidding Documents for the Project are available at the following designated website:
https://www.lynnimaging.com/ (Lynn Imaging ePlanroom). Bidding Documents may be purchased from
the designated website in either electronic or paper format. Prospective Bidders are urged to register
with the designated website as a plan holder even if Bidding Documents are obtained from a plan room
or source other than the designated website. The designated website will be updated periodically with
addenda, lists of registered plan holders, reports, and other information relevant to submitting a Bid for
the Project. All official notifications, addenda, and other Bidding Documents will be offered only through
the designated website. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for Bidding Documents,
including addenda, if any, obtained from sources other than the designated website. Any charges
incurred in obtaining Contract Documents are not reimbursable by Owner.

Questions for the Engineer should be directed to Ryan Hughes, PE of Clark Dietz, Inc., 120 W Spring
Street, New Albany, Indiana 47150, PH: 859-286-1141, email: ryan.hughes@clarkdietz.com.

A mandatory pre-bid conference for the Project will be held on May 9, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Salem City
Hall, 201 E. Market St., Salem, IN, 47167. Bids will not be accepted from Bidders that do not attend the
mandatory pre-bid conference.

For all further requirements regarding bid submittal, qualifications, procedures, and contract award,
refer to the Instructions to Bidders that are included in the Bidding Documents.

This Advertisement is issued by Jeff Quyle, President and CEO, Radius Indiana. April 30, 2024

Radius Indiana Hires for new Regional Main Street Program

Posted on by Radius Indiana

BEDFORD, Ind. (April 09, 2024) – In an effort to support the launch and operation of Main Street programs along the Monon South Trail, Radius Indiana recently welcomed another staff member to its team. A Lawrence County native, Sadie Miskuf, will serve as the organization’s first Regional Main Street Director.

Established by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, the Indiana Main Street program supports and encourages community-driven revitalization of downtown areas in cities and towns. Miskuf will assist member communities with the initial application process of community meetings, stakeholder awareness, board formation, financial forecasting, and a formal work plan. Once accredited, the communities along the Monon South Trail will become Indiana’s first Regional Main Street organization and will be eligible for exclusive grant opportunities, technical assistance and educational resources.

The position was created in coordination with the recent Monon South Trail development, as the cities and towns will soon be joined together by the nearly 60-mile recreational asset and experience a new wave of visitors. This poses a unique opportunity for the communities’ downtown or commercial districts in the Magnificent Monon South Regional Main Street program. Miskuf will accelerate trail-based economic development in partnership with community leaders, local business owners and residents to spur revitalization and excitement surrounding the downtowns.

“Mitchell appreciates seeing this kind of hands-on assistance with the Main Street program. Having Sadie from Radius step in will relieve a lot of the administrative and organizational load our downtown businesses would face,” said Don Caudell, Mayor of Mitchell, Indiana. “This lets our local leaders focus on the community and maximize how we grow to meet the needs of the Monon South Trail visitors who will come here.”

In 2023, Indiana Main Street communities completed 262 rehabilitation projects, opened 196 new downtown businesses, created over 3,000 jobs and finalized 171 public improvement projects across the state. These initiatives were made possible by the 1,600 passionate volunteers throughout the communities that dedicated nearly 43,000 hours of their time.

“Our communities along the trail share this opportunity to capitalize on the business growth that the Monon South Trail will bring, and by providing our regional resources to help them utilize the power of the Main Street program, we expect to accelerate the strengthening of their existing downtown businesses as well as enable the growth of new businesses. We’re very excited and grateful that Sadie brings the relevant Main Street experience to smooth the implementation of the program,” said Jeff Quyle, President of Radius.

Miskuf previously served as Main Street Director for a small town in Florida before returning to Indiana and has a proven history of fostering collaboration among stakeholders, implementing strategic initiatives, and leveraging resources to build vibrant communities. She also has a strong passion for philanthropy, revitalization of small-town assets, and Hoosier heritage.

“I am thrilled for the opportunity to bring the Magnificent Monon South Main Street program to life,” said Miskuf. “It’s an honor to be part of something so special that will bring communities together across Southern Indiana, allow visitors to experience what the region has to offer, and continue to thrive for many generations to come.”

Over 100 gather for Radius stakeholder update at French Lick Resort

Posted on by Radius Indiana

BEDFORD, Ind. (March 5, 2024) – Radius Indiana hosted over 100 attendees from across the region for its annual stakeholder’s luncheon Feb. 28 at the French Lick Resort. Remarks included a review of Radius’ accomplishments over the previous year and included an unveiling of design renderings for the Monon South Trail. Additionally, Radius welcomed special guests from the Consulate and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Chicago as well as Indiana State Treasurer, Daniel Elliott.

Radius Board of Directors Chair Jeff Pipkin opened the meeting with a brief overview of the organization’s programs and thanked stakeholders for their continued support. Pipkin became the board chair at the start of 2024, stepping in for Becky Skillman who retired from the board at the end of 2023 after more than 10 years of service. 

“Radius continues to evolve in order to stay up-to-date with the world of economic development, and the growing list of programs it offers reflects that,” said Pipkin. “I look forward to serving a larger role to the organization as its Chair and being a small part of the amazing impact it brings to southern Indiana.” 

Pipkin then introduced Indiana State Treasurer Daniel Elliott, who spoke about the Indiana Bond Bank and its ability to be a resource for communities. Additionally, Elliott highlighted the importance of broadband in rural communities and its impact on education, development and growth.

Following, Radius president and CEO Jeff Quyle introduced special guests Consul-General Jun Yanagi and JETRO Chicago Executive Director Hiroyuki Nemoto. This was an opportunity for attendees to hear directly from representatives of these organizations, who are often on the front lines in facilitating new contacts with Japan for economic development opportunities. 

Consul-General Yanagi shared that there are currently 320 Japanese business facilities in Indiana, providing 70,700 jobs.

“I am optimistic about the partnership between the United States and Japan because it has been built from the ground up, supported by multiple layers of human connection, sharing basic values such as democracy, freedom, and human rights,” said Consul-General Yanagi.

Quyle then provided an overview of the organization’s accomplishments from 2023, including the 16 employers throughout the Radius region that have participated in Choose Southern Indiana’s Employer Incentive Program, and the nearly 60,000 visitors to the Southern Indiana Business Report website. 

In addition, Quyle updated attendees on the Monon South Trail progress, slated to span nearly 60 miles through Lawrence, Orange, Washington, and Clark counties. Clark Dietz, the lead civil engineering firm, and Taylor Seifker Williams Design Group, the trail’s design firm, are completing the infrastructure design, construction, and master planning efforts. Attendees had the first look at the initial design concepts for the trailheads, including structures, bike and pedestrian rest stops, restrooms, and other amenities planned along the trail.

“With the support from our partners at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the design team, we are making great progress on the trail in record time and learning more than we originally imagined,” said Quyle. “Additional design plans will be released later this spring, and we are currently on track to open the municipal segments of the trail later this fall.”

Other important events were scheduled in coordination with the stakeholder’s luncheon, including a reception and dinner to renew the relationship between the Radius region and both the Consulate and JETRO Chicago, and a breakfast networking event for the local mayors, the region’s economic development leaders, and Japanese officials. 

If you are interested in attending Radius Indiana’s Stakeholder Meeting next year, please contact the Radius office at (812) 277-9778.

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ABOUT RADIUS INDIANA: Radius Indiana is a regional economic development partnership representing eight counties in Southern Indiana: Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Orange, and Washington. Formed in 2009, Radius Indiana also serves as a point of contact in Indiana for Naval Support Activity Crane and leads regional collaboration by leveraging the diverse assets of Southwest Central Indiana to drive attraction, retention and expansion of business, thereby increasing employment and investment opportunities and quality of life within the region.

Crane Leadership provides annual report highlighting growth and collaboration

Posted on by Radius Indiana

By: Matt Craig, Director of Crane Community Support for Radius Indiana

 

The annual “State of the Installation Address” provides an opportunity for Naval Support Activity (NSA) Crane to share Team Crane’s strategic goals and any operational changes or proposed construction projects that may impact the community. NSA Commander Luis G. Martinez provided the keynote address, briefing the White River Military Coordination Alliance and the Crane Regional Defense Group on the installation successes over the past year, as well as current and upcoming projects for NSA Crane, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC), and Crane Army Ammunition Activity (CAAA).

Cmdr. Martinez’s address included the following key updates about the installation, highlighting strategic goals, a workforce overview, and upcoming opportunities for community collaboration:

  • Strategic goals: NSA Crane will continue to focus on community outreach as a pillar of its strategy and modernize the installation. NSWC was noted as being more valued and relevant than at any time in its history and is positioned for an abundance of growth opportunities, and CAAA continues to ensure that warfighters always have the ammunition they need.
  • Future mission growth: NSA Crane will implement a regional engagement strategy to enhance relationships with community support organizations. NSWC is awaiting the highly anticipated WestGate One facility to support the growing trusted microelectronics and hypersonics efforts, and CAAA is participating in strategic planning processes.
  • Infrastructure and modernization: In 2024, CAAA anticipates more than $58 million of outside funding for modernization efforts and new facilities to support their employees. For NSWC, a new radiation test facility was completed in 2023 and three more facilities will break ground in 2024. NSA, in partnership with NAVFAC, will execute a horizontal infrastructure improvement plan to address the electrical distribution system, water, and natural gas pipeline replacement.
  • Workforce, job trends, and skills: The total on-base population is approximately 6,100, with that number projected to grow three to five percent over the next five years through increased involvement at career fairs both virtually and in-person, social media postings, direct hiring authorities and engagement with direct commands.
  • Opportunities for educational collaboration: Partnerships with Indiana, Purdue and Vincennes Universities, as well as Ivy Tech Community College in Bloomington, work to fill the job pipeline and keep the installation relevant to graduates.
  • Community partnership and requests for support: Team Crane has plans to identify opportunities to engage in the communities, specifically in ways that will help fill the talent pipeline locally and provide jobs to local youth after high school and secondary education.

As one of the largest employers in Southern Indiana, Team Crane plays an important role in the economies of our communities. Continued collaboration is key to building a strong relationship between community leaders and the public with those working inside the gates at Crane to make the most of opportunities that benefit our region.

Radius Indiana, design teams present the Monon South Trail Annual Report to the Communities

Posted on by Radius Indiana

SALEM, Ind. (Feb. 2, 2024) — Leaders from southern Indiana gathered at the first “Monon South Annual Report to the Communities” hosted by Radius Indiana to learn about the latest developments in the creation of the Monon South Trail, slated to span nearly 60 miles through Lawrence, Orange, Washington, and Clark counties.

Through the state’s Next Level Trails program, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources awarded $23.4 million to Radius Indiana, the region’s economic development partnership, to facilitate the purchase and trail creation of a railbanked CSX railway corridor. Along with additional funding from the READI program, the design and initial construction of phase 1 of the trail began in 2023.

As part of the Annual Report, Jeff Quyle, president and CEO of Radius, shared information on the projects and programs already in progress. To date, existing rail and crossties have been removed, road crossings have been improved, and the rail bed is being prepared for trail construction.

“We have seen a lot of progress during the first year of development for the Monon South and we are actively pursuing additional grant funding for phases 2 and 3,” said Quyle. “The engagement of our local leaders has been vital to our success, and this first report to the communities is a way to ensure that those leaders, who are our partners, supporters, and owners of this monumental project, continue to be involved and informed.”

Several initiatives to engage the communities along the trail are also underway. Cities and towns will be invited to participate in public art programs, which will add local touches to the trail corridor, and hundreds of residents have attended public meetings to give input on the design, location of trailheads, amenities, and sustainability of the trail. 

In addition, Radius partnered with the Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Land at Indiana University to develop park master plans to enhance and strengthen each community’s connectivity and engagement with the Monon South. In fall 2023, Radius launched a crowdfunding campaign, securing $50,000 to restore a historic boxcar located near the future trail in downtown Salem. And coming in 2024, Radius will work with downtowns connected to the trail to create the state’s first regional Mainstreet Program to encourage downtown revitalization and open opportunities for state funding and assistance.

Ryan Hughes from Clark Dietz, the lead civil engineering firm, and Ron Taylor from Taylor Seifker Williams Design Group, the trail’s design firm, gave a behind-the-scenes look at the Monon South’s infrastructure design, construction, and master planning efforts. Attendees had the first look at the initial design concepts for trailhead structures, bike and pedestrian rest stops, restrooms, and other amenities planned along the trail.

Orleans Clerk-Treasurer and Executive Director of the Orleans Chamber of Commerce Robert Henderson was in attendance and has been following the Monon South from its inception, “I am excited about all of the energy and effort being put in along the corridor. This event really showed all of the thought and detail that has gone into the work, and I appreciate Radius putting together this forum to allow us to stay up-to-date and engaged. I was interested to learn more about future funding and grant opportunities that will help bring the trail to life,” he added.

Radius plans to hold this event each year to share construction progress and new community developments for the Monon South. To learn more, visit www.mononsouth.com and follow Monon South Trail on Facebook. 

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ABOUT RADIUS INDIANA: Radius Indiana is a regional economic development partnership representing eight counties in Southern Indiana: Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Orange, and Washington. Formed in 2009, Radius Indiana also serves as a point of contact in Indiana for Naval Support Activity Crane and leads regional collaboration by leveraging the diverse assets of the region to drive attraction, retention, and expansion of business, thereby increasing employment and investment opportunities and quality of life within the region.