Hamilton receives national recognition with 2022 Rail-Trail Champion Award

INDIANAPOLIS – Today, State Representative Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) was honored as the 2022 Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champion by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and their partners in Indiana. This national award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the rail-trail movement through hard work, volunteerism or support. 

Hamilton is being recognized for her commitment within the General Assembly to advance trail access for all Hoosiers. In March of 2020, she led the creation of the bipartisan, bicameral Indiana Legislative Trails Caucus which promotes the expansion of Indiana’s multi-use trails and greenways via new funding and policy support. The caucus has already secured more than $60 million for trail development in the state.

Along with her involvement as co-chair of the Indiana Legislative Trails Caucus, Hamilton assisted in the establishment of the Indiana Bicycle Trails Task Force in 2017. The task force developed actionable concepts to connect existing bicycle trails throughout the state.

“I am truly honored to receive this award,” Hamilton said. “Working to expand our trails network across Indiana has been incredibly rewarding . Trails are for everyone, and I’ve enjoyed working with colleagues from across the aisle representing urban, suburban and rural communities from every corner of our state. 

“The benefits of trail networks and greenways are far-reaching. From the positive effects on Hoosiers’ mental and physical health, quality to life benefits for our neighborhoods, and local economic development, the expansion of Indiana trail networks will help transform our state for the better.

“I am thankful for all the hard work that the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has done both in Indiana and across the nation. I am looking forward to continuing to work alongside them to build bipartisan support for trail systems across the state and improve the lives of all Hoosiers.”

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is the nation’s largest trails organization that works to reimagine public spaces through advocacy, funding and national partnerships to create safe ways to walk, bike and be active outdoors.