PLAINFIELD, IN – Governor Eric J. Holcomb today joined the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the town of Plainfield, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), and New City Development to celebrate the official opening of the recently completed Vandalia Trail extension and to mark the start of a new chapter for Hobbs Station.
“Powered by partnerships, and blazing new trails, Next Level Trails continues to help Indiana connect communities and one another,” said Gov. Holcomb. “I’m excited to see the private sector, local and state government partners all come together to set a new national standard. The Vandalia Trail connection to Plainfield’s new Hobbs Station development perfectly represents our statewide momentum and will draw Hoosiers across the region for years to come.”
The 2.32-mile asphalt multi-use trail was designed and constructed by the town of Plainfield. The project received support from a $1,712,000 Next Level Trails (NLT) grant that was announced by Gov. Holcomb in March 2021 as part of the second grant round of NLT.
Hobbs Station, which is set to open the first phase of development in 2024, is being supported by an investment from the IEDC’s regional development tax credit, which provides an incentive for companies to invest in redevelopment and revitalization, improving the quality of place within Indiana.
New City Development, a major contributor to the project, played a pivotal role by constructing more than half a mile of the new trail segment within the Hobbs Station development. Hobbs Station, a visionary $300 million mixed-use community project currently under construction, will offer a mix of residential, retail, office, senior housing, and industrial spaces, seamlessly integrated with access to the Vandalia Trail. Spanning 125 acres off U.S. 40 (Main Street) and North Perry Road, Hobbs Station represents a forward-thinking approach to community development that respects Plainfield’s history while embracing its future.
As part of Gov. Holcomb’s Next Level Connections initiative, NLT is the largest-ever infusion of trail funding in Indiana’s history. With a current allocation of $180 million, this program, administered by the DNR, is committed to establishing critical trail connections within and between Hoosier communities. To date, NLT has awarded $150 million to 75 projects across the state, with an additional $30 million set to be awarded in the upcoming fourth round of the program in December.
Of the 75 NLT projects, 26 are already completed, contributing more than 84 miles of trail since the program’s inception. An additional 13 projects are presently under construction, with several more scheduled to break ground later this year.
