Wabash River Heritage Corridor Fund (WRHCF)
History
In the late 1980's, the Indiana General Assembly began receiving new requests for assistance with conservation and recreational development along the Wabash River and its historic transportation corridor. A Wabash River Heritage Corridor Fund (WRHCF) bill was passed to do just that. As this surge of enthusiasm and interest began to grow, monies were appropriated by the General Assembly to assist in the renaissance of the Wabash River. From 1990 to 2000, almost $8 million has been allocated to the river corridor. With the Department of Natural Resources administrating these funds, along with the creation of the Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission (WRHCC) to promote the corridor, the opportunity for natural/recreational as well as historical/cultural projects along the Wabash River corridor has materialized. Nineteen counties in the corridor along the Wabash River, Little River and the historic portage to the Maumee River are eligible to utilize the WRHCF. These counties are Adams, Allen, Carroll, Cass, Fountain, Gibson, Huntington, Jay, Knox, Miami, Park, Posey, Sullivan, Tippecanoe, Vermillion, Vigo, Wabash, Warren and Wells. 2000 was the last year of funding from the General Assembly.
In 2009, legislation was revised to allow a new source of dedicated money to be placed in the fund. This fund will be used to once again fund projects in the Wabash River Corridor.
Where are the funds from?
The owners of land in Indiana are due royalties from oil and other minerals collected beneath their property. Because no person or agency owns the Wabash River, the royalties collected have gone into the state general fund. In 2009, IC 14-13-6 was revised to put this money in a non-reverting fund for grants in the Wabash River corridor. The revenue is approximately $125,000 per year.
What are the priorities for the grant?
Camping. Sites and facilities that allow river users to camp overnight for an extended Wabash River experience are the top priority.
Access. The next priority is creating public access to the river. Sites that fill gaps in access are preferred.
Trails. There is always a need for bicycle/pedestrian trails along the Wabash River.
How much money are we talking about?
The first grant round will be for $250,000. Individual grant requests can be from $25,000 up to a maximum of $150,000. Future grant round amounts will be determined by available funding.
How do I apply for the funds?
The grant criteria, the manual and other details are still being written, so no applications are being accepted at this time. We hope to have a grant round open later in 2011. This website will be updated as new information becomes available.
If you want to know more about the Wabash grant or want to discuss potential projects, contact:
Bob Bronson
State & Community Outdoor Recreation Planning Section
Division of Outdoor Recreation
Indiana Department of Natural Resources
402 West Washington Street, Room 271
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204-2782
(317) 232-4075
Email: bbronson@dnr.IN.gov
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