By HOLLY GASKILL
After deferring their decision in September, the County Commissioners approved a resolution to join the interlocal agreement for the Poka-Bache trail.
The Bluffton Common Council, which had also deferred the decision during its last meeting, will revisit the agreement Tuesday night. Both boards expressed initial favor for the project last month but stated they wanted more time to review the documents before approving it.
By joining the interlocal agreement, Wells County will give a basis of approval to pursue plans to construct and finance the trail. However, the Poka-Bache Trail Coalition will still have to return to either governing body for approval of construction plans and funding.
The coalition initially sought a commitment from the county with a deadline of the end of October, with the hopes that this would give a task force time to identify items for 2024 budget planning next summer. The group also plans to pursue multiple grants for the project.
Commissioner Jeff Stringer, while approving the trail, said it would not rank highly among his priorities for the county, especially given the current economic climate.
“We want to make sure that whatever we do doesn’t put a burden on the taxpayer,” Stringer said.
Mike Lautzenheiser, executive director of the Wells County Area Plan Commission and vice-chair of the coalition, said the coalition’s goal is to bring an economic benefit to its communities, not a financial burden. Lautzenheiser also clarified that Wells County will not need to contribute to any portions of the trail outside of the county.
The proposed trail will connect four counties — Steuben, DeKalb, Allen and Wells — through its 81 miles, making it the longest in Indiana.
Commissioner President Mike Vanover also asked Lautzenheiser how the trails would adapt their plans if the Indiana Department of Transportation moved forward with expanding Ind. 1.
In response, Lautzenheiser said the coalition would work closely with all the affected parties to determine the best solution given the location. He added that he foresaw only one point that would be affected.
holly@news-banner.com
