City on board to advance trail project

That amount includes $2,160,160 coming from the State of Indiana’s Next Level Trails grant program, along with matching dollars from the city totaling $440,000 of READI grant dollars and $100,000 of American Rescue Plan dollars from Jefferson County.

Madison Mayor Bob Courtney noted it’s actually a transfer of a grant that was received by the Heritage Trail Conservancy for phase one of the Hanover-Madison Connector Trail. The funds will be used to extend by 1.18 miles the Heritage Trail to the south entrance of Clifty Falls State Park. “This is phase one of what we believe will be three to four phases of the trail to Hanover College and ultimately to Saluda Bottoms over the next few years,” said Tony Steinhardt, the city’s director of economic development.

Steinhardt said efforts will proceed over the next quarter with selection of design and engineering for the project with hopes of beginning construction in late 2024 or early 2025.

“Trails certainly add to the quality of life, of health and wellness for the community. We’re very pleased to be a part of it,” said Courtney.

In other business, the BPWS:

• Approved a $30,000 contract with Zambelli Fireworks for the fireworks display that will be held during Madison Regatta weekend in July. Kealey White, communications assistant, said sponsorship dollars will be sought to cover the city’s costs.

• Approved closing the southbound lane on Broadway Street between Main and Third streets from 10 a.m. to noon on Sundays from April 1 through Nov. 1 for Trinity United Methodist Church’s outdoor worship services at the Broadway Fountain.

• Approved street closings from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 17, on Vaughn Drive between West and Broadway streets for the Wine, Stein and Barrel event to be hosted by the Madison Riverfront Development Committee.

• Approved various street closings in the vicinity of Vaughn Drive from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 13, for the Molly Dattilo 5K Run/Walk.