The Town of Indian Trail was one of only 10 municipalities to receive grant funding as part of the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) Multimodal Planning Grant program. The annual matching grant program helps communities develop comprehensive plans for expanding bicycle, pedestrian and/or transit facilities.
The Town was awarded $70,000 to update its existing Pedestrian Plan, which was first adopted in 2009. The $70,000 includes the $21,000, or 30 percent, match from the Town. The cost share was based on the Town’s population.
“Indian Trail has grown considerably since the initial Pedestrian Plan was approved,” said Todd Huntsinger, director of engineering. “The grant funding will allow us to update the plan to meet the needs of our growing community by providing additional means of connectivity, walkability and recreation for our residents. The updated Pedestrian Plan will also tie into our existing five-year Capital Improvement Plan that focuses on improving amenities and infrastructure.”
Next Steps
According to NCDOT’s timeline, a municipal agreement will be executed in the next couple of months pending approval by the Town Council. A notice to proceed will be issued in early 2023. At that time, the Town will be able to begin updating the Pedestrian Plan. The traditional plan completion deadline is approximately 12 months from the notice to proceed.
“Through conversations, surveys and other feedback, we have heard from our residents that they want more sidewalks and improved walkability and connectivity throughout Town,” said Mayor David Cohn. “This is also a priority for the Town Council and staff. These grant funds will allow us to better plan for those needs. I would like to thank the Town’s engineering staff for taking the initiative to apply for, and ultimately receive, this grant.”
NCDOT’s Integrated Mobility Division and the Transportation Division sponsor the Multimodal Planning Grant initiative. The funds are to be used to create a comprehensive strategy for expanding bicycle, pedestrian and transit opportunities within a community.
For more information about the Town of Indian Trail, visit www.indiantrail.org.
For more information about the Multimodal Grant Program, visit https://connect.ncdot.gov/municipalities/PlanningGrants/IMD-Multimodal-Planning-Program/Pages/default.aspx.