Five grants have been awarded for projects that will increase awareness and activity on and along the Wabash River.

The grants, which were announced by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in conjunction with the Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission (WRHCC), aim to increase access sites and river camping opportunities along the river.

A total of $420,983 will be divided as follows:

• Historic Forks of the Wabash will receive $56,000 for camping and canoe access to Ehler Island in Wabash County.
• Banks of the Wabash, Inc. will receive $65,550 for camping and small boat access at Pittsburg Riverfront Park in Carroll County.
• The town of Montezuma will receive $119,922 to improve camping facilities and develop trail in Reeder Park in Parke County.
• The town of Attica will receive $139,511 to enhance camping at Ouabache Park in Fountain County.
• Carroll County Wabash & Erie Canal, Inc. will receive $40,000 for a bridge over the canal and trail at Wabash & Erie Canal Park in Carroll County.

The WRHCC was established by the Indiana Legislature to promote and enhance the Wabash River, the State River of Indiana. The Commission consists of individuals from each of the 19 Indiana counties through which the Wabash runs, along with representatives from State Government. For more information about the WRHCC, including contact information for its members and to learn how to suggest potential future projects, visit IN.gov/wrhcc/.

Funding for the projects comes from mineral extraction royalties from oil under the Wabash River. The program will fund approximately $300,000 in projects every other year. State funding is 80 percent of the project; 20 percent comes from local matching funds. For more information, visit dnr.IN.gov/outdoor/4067.htm.

Logo courtesy Indiana Department of Natural Resources