Projects are judged based on such criteria as impacts to air quality, improvements to congestion, safety and pavement quality. “It’s always a very competitive process, but Beech Grove’s project rose to the top,” said Anna Gremling, executive director of the organization. “Building and maintaining infrastructure is one of local governments’ biggest challenges, but also critical to the regional and state economies.”
Beech Grove was one of 15 communities in the region selected to receive federal funds. According to the city’s application, the trail will provide increased connectivity and safe options for pedestrians and bicyclists. The project has a start date of 2023 and is expected to cost $585,909.