INDIANAPOLIS (May 31, 2006) ? Governor Mitch Daniels opened a statewide trails conference today by announcing that state government will double its financial support of trails development in the next fiscal year. Several hundred people are in Indianapolis today to hone a statewide trails plan at the governor?s summit.

Daniels said a combination of state and federal funding sources will be used to increase trails funding from $10 million to $20 million annually.

Successful trails development will require cooperation and partnerships with local communities, private entities and the corporate community.

?The state will take the lead but local communities and private organizations must play a large role if we?re to take a real leap forward and create the kind of trails network that really sets Indiana apart,? said Daniels. ?We?ll favor cooperative projects among communities that will link local trails into long continuous routes.?

In late April the governor announced the state?s plan to develop a comprehensive state plan to build a system of trails to better connect Hoosiers, to improve fitness, health and quality of life, and increase tourist destinations. DNR has led an inter-agency team to craft a draft plan that conference participants are reviewing today. Following the conference, the plan will be provided for public comment and the Department of Natural Resources will facilitate a series of public meetings to discuss the details.

The plan is expected to be a look at the first 10 years of development, including funding and implementation.

Additional media contact: Kim Brant, DNR, 317/232-4003; Kbrant@dnr.in.gov