Wabash River Heritage Corridor Fund (WRHCF)
There are currently no funds available.
What is the Wabash River Heritage Corridor Fund grant program?
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. Since 1990 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. The program has grown from once allowing 5 counties to be eligible for funding, to now allowing all nineteen counties in the corridor along the Wabash River, Little River and the historic portage to the Maumee River being 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.
Where are the funds from?
Revenue to finance the Wabash River Heritage Corridor Fund is determined by the General Assembly. The program is administered by the Division of Outdoor Recreation, and the Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology.
How is funding received?
Funding is received on a reimbursement basis. The project sponsor must acquire and/or develop the project and then be reimbursed for 80% of the expenses incurred instead of payment at the time of project approval.
What are local sources of funding?
State funds must be matched with at least 20% of the total project cost from the local sponsor. The local match may consist of budget appropriations; bond issues; loans; private donations of equipment, land, materials, labor, and cash; and force account contributions of materials, equipment, and labor.
Grant funding amounts
The WRHCF program is a reimbursing matching state assistance program. Projects may be reimbursed a total of 80% toward the total project costs. Applicants may apply for one project per grant round. The minimum project reimbursement amount is $10,000 with a maximum of $200,000. If a project is providing boat access and /or camping along the river an additional $10,000 grant amount can be awarded. Applications are available online for the natural/recreational category of the fund through the Division of Outdoor Recreation (DOR).
Who is eligible?
Local units of government (preferably legally established park and recreation boards) within the identified 19 county corridor, or 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organizations may participate in the Wabash River Heritage Corridor Fund Program. Natural/recreational category projects must be in Indiana, and located within the strip of land abutting or adjacent to land abutting the Wabash River, the Little River, or the historic portage to the Maumee River.
Who administers the program?
The natural/recreational category of the WRHCF is administered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources through its Division of Outdoor Recreation.
What types of projects may be funded within the natural/recreational category?
Project proposals may consist of land acquisition and/or facility enhancement for nature conservation and/or recreational development along the Wabash River. Types of projects can include:
- Natural areas
- Trails
- Boat access
- Camping
- Overlooks
- Playgrounds
- Interpretive signage
- Ball fields, court games etc.
All facilities should be universally designed to accommodate all people. Facilities, programs and activities funded through this program must be open to the public without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sexual preference, or disability.
How do I apply?
The Wabash manual online serves as the guidelines and application. Please use this document to complete your application. The appendix has all the forms needed to apply.
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) 232-4070
Fax: (317) 233-4648
Email: bbronson@dnr.IN.gov
If you want to know more about the historical/cultural category please contact Steve Kennedy at the Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology, (317) 232-1646.
Guidelines/applications are available here online for your convenience. If you have any difficulty with this file, contact us and CD or printed versions can be sent to you.
The Division of Outdoor Recreation has guidelines for preparing 5-year park and recreation master plans.
