Carol Johnson | Southern Indiana Business Report
MITCHELL – Congresswoman Erin Houchin visited Mitchell last week to announce she secured $1 million for the Mitchell portion of the Monon South Trail.
On a brisk, sunny day on the Monon South Trail, Houchin, along with Mitchell Mayor Don Caudell, Mitchell City Council members and Radius Indiana CEO Jeff Quyle, celebrated the infusion of funds. Currently, about 20 miles of the 60-mile trail have been completed. The Monon South Trail spans from Mitchell through four other southern Indiana counties.
The funds for the trail are part of a federal appropriations package recently approved by the US House and includes nearly $7.5 million for several other projects in Houchin’s 9th District.
“I’m very excited we were able to secure this funding,” Houchin said.
The Monon South Trail, Houchin said, is “regional connectivity” that will create opportunities for small businesses, tourism, recreation and improved quality of life.
“The Monon South Trail will give families a safe place to walk, bike and enjoy the outdoors. It will also bring visitors to our downtowns and help position communities like Mitchell for long-term growth,” she said.
Houchin thanked Caudell for coming up with a strong plan for the Mitchell trail section and seeking her support for funding.
The Monon South Trail is under development by Radius Indiana. Construction on Phase 1 began in 2024. Indiana’s Next Level Trail program provided nearly $24 million for the initial construction.
“This investment is more than a line item in a budget,” Caudell said. “It represents a commitment to our community’s future and is a key investment in making Mitchell a place where people want to live and work.”
Quyle observed that construction of the last elements of the Mitchell segment of the Monon South Trail had been delayed because of unique circumstances not seen in other communities. The lack of a parcel of property to immediately house the trailhead, as well as the need to take the trail across an active rail line had slowed planning and construction in Mitchell, which will now resume thanks to the availability of the funding provided by Congresswoman Houchin.
“Now that these resources are secured, we will pave the downtown portion of the Trail, turn the old boarding house site into a downtown parking lot for the trailhead, and finally install the amenities that will bring visitors to the Mitchell portion of the Trail,” Quyle said.
The Lawrence County Community Foundation has also provided grant funds last year that will be used on the Mitchell segment of the Trail. Construction is expected to begin this summer.
